An awareness program was held in connection with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It was first observed by the United Nations on 26th June 1989 with the objective of strengthening action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. The theme of this year was “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”. The program had Mr. Aashish Kumar Ojha, Superintendent, Narcotics Control Bureau, Cochin Zone as the keynote speaker. He spoke about the harmful effects of drugs on individuals & the society, its aftereffects, legal penaltiesetc.  Dr. Pratheesh P.J., Consultant Psychiatrist, Lourdes Hospital engaged a session where he gave the audience an overview of the topic from a medical perspective and urged not to alienate the addicts and to treat them with empathy and care to bring them back to normalcy. The program was attended by employees of the various companies at WTC Kochi and support staff. It was also an opportunity to clear their queries with the experts.