On Friendship Day, social worker and drug prevention advocate Dr Mohammad Imran Ali unveiled India’s first Braille book on substance use prevention, titled “Yes to Life, No to Drugs”.
The publication, brought out by voluntary organisation Salaam Jeevan, marks a pioneering step in inclusive public health education.
Specially designed for children and young persons with visual impairment, the book explains in simple language the causes, harmful effects, and long‑term consequences of tobacco, alcohol, and other addictive substances. It emphasises awareness, education, and informed decision‑making as the strongest tools against addiction.
Aligned with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the vision of Vikshit Bharat, the book highlights the shared responsibility of families, schools, communities, civil society, healthcare professionals, and government institutions in creating a healthy, safe, and addiction‑free India.
Dr Imran said, “Awareness is the first step towards prevention, and accessibility to information is a fundamental right. Every child, including those with visual impairment, deserves equal access to knowledge that can protect their health, dignity, and future.”
The book will be delivered free of cost through the postal network to visually impaired readers, special schools, libraries, rehabilitation centres, and disability organisations. As India’s first Braille publication dedicated to drug prevention, it represents a milestone in inclusive awareness and youth empowerment.
