Young India Network for Good Health

ZERO TO HERO : A Musical Exploration of Hercules. The story of Hercules is the evolving and courageous journey of the protagonist who conquers his own weaknesses and consolidates his strengths. In a way, it symbolic of the journey of every common man who is struggling with his weaknesses, fears and challenges and eventually emerges triumphant in the odyssey of life with the help of redeeming qualities like grit, self belief and valour. Nada India and Young India Network for Good Health  are awareness partners. This year’s musical performance  is dedicated to highlight the most sensitive and plaguing issue that has trampled the young lives before they can bloom and flourish-- drug addiction.All the profits from this musical would be used to spread awareness about the issue of drug addiction and counter the attached social stigma. In the 27 wonderful years since its inception, the Music and Theatre Workshop in CMC Ludhiana has tranformed the lives ...

The southern Indian state of Kerala, often referred to as God's own country, has the best socio-economic indicators in the country. But its alarming alcohol addiction is earning the state a name for all the wrong reasons as the crime rate there also increases. The god of choice here is Bacchus, the Roman deity of wine. College student Raj Kumar has been in an alcohol rehabilitation clinic for more than two months in the state's capital, Thiruvananthapuram . "I used to fight with my family members every day to feed my addiction," he said. The 22-year-old, who has been drinking for more than seven years, says he'll be lucky if he comes out well. "I used to get up feeling restless. For the last months since I have come here it is OK, but the urge to get back is still very strong." Kerala is one of India's most progressive states in terms of social welfare and quality of life, boasting the highest literacy rates, life expectancy and lowe...

A few months back, 14-year-old Vikram Batra (name changed) started behaving oddly. Normally quite a talkative boy, Vikram, started keeping to himself. On returning home from school, he would head straight to his room and remain locked there for hours at a stretch. Two month’s back, his mother, Vibha, an IT professional, received a call from the counsellor at Vikram’s school, a renowned private  institute in central Delhi. The counsellor told her that Vikram had become unresponsive in class and was often lost in his own world. One day, when Vikram was out, Vibha searched his room and found three empty bottles of white solvent in his school bag, traces of which she had occasionally seen on Vikram’s lips. She called the counsellor and told her that the child was into substance abuse. Substance abuse among Indian children is growing at a much faster rate than previously believed. And contrary to popular belief, the addicts are not just street children. A first-of-its kin...

Although there are certain emotional and physical symptoms of substance abuse, do not immediately assume that your child is on drugs—there could be other reasons why your child behaves unusually. Physical signs: • Drowsiness • Trembling • Red eyes, dilated pupils • Lack of interest in personal hygiene and appearance • Slurred speech • Loss of, or increase in appetite • Uncoordinated movements • Circles under the eyes • Irregular sleeping habits • Frequent colds and coughs • Weight loss Emotional and social signs: • Moodiness, excitement, anger, hostility, depression • Constant lying and stealing • Refusing to admit to the harmful effects of drugs • Avoiding old friends or people who could confront them about behaviour changes • Being secretive about phone calls • Having friends they do not want you to meet or talk about • Being evasive about their whereabouts • Loss of motivation • No interest in everyday life • Playing truant from school   *Base...