Bhubaneswar: Social worker and drug prevention advocate Dr Mohammad Imran Ali unveiled India’s first Braille book on substance use prevention in Bhubaneswar on Friendship Day. The book, titled “Yes to Life, No to Drugs”, was released by voluntary organisation Salaam Jeevan and marks a landmark in inclusive public health education.
Designed specifically for children and young persons with visual impairment, the book uses simple language to explain the causes, harmful effects, and long-term consequences of tobacco, alcohol, and other addictive substances. It places awareness, education, and informed decision-making at the centre of addiction prevention.
The publication aligns with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the vision of Vikshit Bharat. It stresses the shared responsibility of families, schools, communities, civil society, healthcare professionals, and government institutions in building a healthy 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 reach readers free of cost through the postal network. Visually impaired individuals, special schools, libraries, rehabilitation centres, and disability organisations across the country will receive copies. As India’s first Braille publication dedicated to drug prevention, it represents a milestone in inclusive awareness and youth empowerment.
Salaam Jeevan’s initiative reflects the broader commitment within civil society to ensure no community is left behind in public health outreach. Dr Imran Ali’s work draws attention to the urgent need for accessible health education materials in a country where millions of persons with disabilities remain underserved by mainstream awareness campaigns.
