Hyderabad: State tourism, excise, and culture minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Thursday said drug prevention is society’s responsibility and urged citizens to actively combat the growing threat of addiction, especially among youth.
Speaking at an art workshop hosted by the Telangana State Praja Natya Mandali at Makhdoom Bhavan in Himayat Nagar, he said artists should take the lead in educating people about the dangers of substance abuse through street plays and public performances.
He commended the theatre group for carrying their anti-drug message into schools, colleges, and universities across Telangana. “It’s commendable that artists are using their craft to raise awareness,” he said.
The minister also highlighted recent improvements in the state’s healthcare system, stating that government hospitals now offer services on par with corporate institutions. He credited Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for prioritising the strengthening of public health infrastructure.
Jupally urged citizens not to fall into debt by relying on private hospitals. “Government facilities can provide effective treatment without the burden of high costs,” he added.
Earlier in the programme, he watched and appreciated two street plays performed by Praja Natya Mandali artists titled Ganjai Vaddura and Corporate Vaddura, Government Hospitals Muddura.
Leaders from CPI Telangana also attended the event, including Assistant Secretary E.T. Narasimha, MLC Nellikanti Satyam, State Secretariat Member Kalaveni Shankar, and others. Senior members of the Praja Natya Mandali, including President K. Srinivas and General Secretary Palle Narasimha, were also present.
