Seminar on “Substance Use and Behavioral Addiction”

Event Overview

Rustamji Institute of Technology (RJIT), a premier engineering institute under the Border Security Force (BSF), organized a thought-provoking seminar on “Substance Use and Behavioral Addiction” on June 23, 2025, to raise awareness among students about the mental, physical, and societal impacts of addiction.

Welcome and Felicitation

The event began with the formal presentation of saplings:

• Dr. Rajeev Kumar Kotnala, IG (Medical)/MS was welcomed by A. K. Arya, DIG, Chief Administrator RJIT.
• Dr. Haripriya Chintala, 2IC/MD, was felicitated by A. K. Arya, DIG, Chief Administrator RJIT.

Addiction: A Prison Where the Locks Are on the Inside

Dr. Rajeev Kumar Kotnala, IG opened his address by quoting verses from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures, underlining the spiritual and philosophical perspective on self-control and inner struggle. He explained, “It is the only prison where the locks are on the inside,” emphasizing that the journey out begins with willpower and awareness.

Behavioral Addiction: The Silent Disruptor

Dr. Haripriya Chintala focused on behavioral addictions, including mobile usage, gaming, pornography, gambling, and excessive social media dependency. She presented the effects of substance abuse:

• Short-term: Fatigue, aggression, impaired judgment, hyperactivity, irregular heartbeat
• Long-term: Depression, cognitive damage, hallucinations, mood disorders, brain structural changes, immune dysfunction

She also highlighted rehabilitation facilities at the Composite Hospital BSF, including therapy, counseling, and medical treatment.

Interactive Q&A Session

The seminar saw active student participation, with questions on stress management and addiction recovery. The speakers addressed these with scientific insight and empathy, fostering a two-way dialogue.

Takeaway Message

The seminar emphasized that addiction, whether substance-related or behavioral, is a serious condition requiring attention and support. With intervention, education, and resolve, recovery is transformative.

Program Coordination

The event was conducted by the Women Cell RJIT under Dr. Anjana Goen, Presiding Officer, with support from:

• Professor Aradhana Saxena
• Professor Gaurav Bhardwaj
• Mrs. Saba Khan
• Professor Mugdha Shrivastava
• Student Coordinators:
  • Priyanka Chahal (2nd Year, CSE)
  • Shivam Sharma (2nd Year, CSE)
  • Harshita Singh (2nd Year, ECE)
  • Shreya Kumari (1st Year, ECE)
  • Amit Singh (3rd Year, EE)

Dr. Prashant Kumar Jain, Principal presented mementos to the guest speakers as a token of appreciation.