“Fighting Drugs Is a Duty, Not a Choice” – Vijay Deverakonda Speaks at Anti-Drug Awareness Event

Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda made a powerful appeal for youth to stay away from drugs, calling anti-drug advocacy a “personal responsibility” during an awareness program organized by the Telangana State Government on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The event, held on Thursday, was also attended by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Global Star Ram Charan.

Speaking to a packed auditorium, Vijay candidly shared his awakening about the seriousness of drug abuse. “I usually live in my own world and don’t always stay tuned into what’s happening around me,” he began. “While filming in Visakhapatnam, a police officer approached me to record a video for an anti-drug campaign. I agreed, but only later did I realize there’s actually an International Day dedicated to fighting drug abuse. That moment made me curious.”

He said that after learning more from the police about the devastating effects of drugs, something changed in him. “I felt this urgent need to be part of the solution. This isn’t just about one event anymore — I’ve decided to take this up as a lifelong responsibility.”

In a hard-hitting statement, Vijay said, “You don’t need war to destroy a nation — pushing its youth into drugs is more than enough. India’s youth are its greatest strength, and there are people who want to weaken that by flooding us with narcotics.”

He urged young people to protect themselves and their future: “If someone in your circle is using drugs, walk away. Don’t follow a path that doesn’t give you health, wealth, or self-respect. Our actions should make our parents proud. Living clean is the first step to living strong.”

Vijay concluded his speech with a strong message: awareness is not just a campaign; it’s a mission to safeguard the future of the country.