Lawyer duo from Kerala earns recognition for anti-drug awareness campaign during pan-India road trip
Kochi: When Kochi-based lawyers Binu Varghese, 58, and Nijas Thamarassery, 28, set out on a mission to travel across India spreading awareness against drug abuse, they had no idea their initiative would carve a place in Worldwide Book of Records.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
What began as a grassroots effort to combat rising drug abuse in their own neighbourhoods evolved into Bharath Darshan Yatra — a two-phase road trip that spanned international borders, stirred public dialogue and touched countless young lives.
Driven by a shared concern over increasing drug-related incidents in Kerala, the duo began their odyssey with Himalayan Challenge from Aug 16 to Sept 8, 2023. In 24 days, they traversed 9,145km across high-altitude terrain and harsh weather.
The second phase, Northeastern Challenge, lasted from March 2 to April 27, 2025, covering 14,196km in 56 days through India's northeastern states and remote border regions adjoining Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Bangladesh.
What makes their journey more than just a record-breaking feat is its purpose. They engaged directly with schools, youth groups and local communities along their route, delivering awareness sessions using modules approved by narcotics control bureau.
"In most places, local organizations and educational institutions eagerly joined hands with us to take our message to young minds," said Nijas.
Their travel unearthed disturbing insights into drug use patterns in various states. In Nagaland, for instance, they discovered widespread use of substances not yet listed under NDPS Act, making legal intervention difficult. "We found that enforcement is affected not because of inaction, but because of legislative gaps," Varghese noted.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Despite facing criticism and scepticism early on, their recognition by Worldwide Book of Records validated their efforts. They say their journey isn't over but only evolving into a continued campaign to build a drug-aware and resilient society.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
44 minutes ago
- Mint
Can vegan snail mucin give the ultimate ‘glass skin'?
Over the past few years, snail mucin has become a must-have among skincare enthusiasts, especially those who follow Korean beauty trends. In fact, some Korean brands have helped turn this formulation, which includes a secretion produced by snails as an ingredient, into a cult. Mucin is a gel-like, protein-rich substance known for its ability to hydrate, heal and strengthen the skin barrier. It is used for its regenerative properties, helping with everything from moisture retention to repairing damaged skin, says Dr Bindu Sthalekar, trichologist and cosmetologist, and founder and chief dermatologist, Skin Smart Solutions. "Snail mucin rose to fame for its multi-tasking benefits—it's deeply hydrating, promotes collagen production, fades acne scars, and calms irritation. It contains naturally occurring glycolic acid, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, making it a gentle yet powerful ingredient," says Dr Sthalekar. Also read: What do Gen Z students want? A clean fashion industry But scratch beneath the surface and ethical questions arise. While brands claim their snail farms are cruelty-free, it's a well known fact that snails are kept in captivity and stimulated to secrete mucin. Enter vegan mucin—a plant‑powered, cruelty‑free alternative. Dr Sthalekar highlights the broader shift that with the growing demand for cruelty-free products, fermented yeast, mushrooms, seaweed, and plant polysaccharides are now used to mimic the texture and function of snail mucin without using animal derivatives. She says that this is an option for those who want the benefits of mucin without compromising on ethical choices. In India, brands have begun embracing this trend. Plum Goodness has launched a vegan mucin serum that taps plant polymers for deep hydration. The latest entrant is the brand Brillare. 'We wanted to create a mucin serum that delivers deep hydration and barrier repair—without the ethical or irritation concerns with snail mucin. Our vegan mucin is a clean, 95% natural formulation powered by plant-based mucin, ceramides, and probiotics," claims Jigar Patel, founder and creative head at Brillare. "While traditional snail mucin products raise sourcing and sensitivity issues, our vegan alternative offers all the benefits without compromise. It's for anyone who believes in skincare that's both conscious and high-performance." This writer tried the Brillare serum and found it to be non‑sticky, and it left the skin feel nourished, hydrated, and visibly smoother. "Many of the newer formulations do an excellent job of replicating the hydration and soothing effects of snail mucin using advanced biotechnology. As a dermatologist, I always recommend checking the ingredient list for supporting actives and ensuring the product is suitable for your skin type," says Dr Sthalekar. Dhara Vora Sabhnani is a Mumbai-based writer. Also read: The perfect holiday make-up that lasts
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Why neem is the skincare hero you didn't know you needed
Traditionally chewed or used in kadhas, neem leaves are the bitter warriors of the Indian wellness world. They help cleanse the blood, support skin health, and improve immunity. A few leaves in hot water or crushed into a paste can do more than a dozen syrups on your shelf. Neem has its roots in ancient Ayurvedic practices and has been revered for centuries in Indian households for its powerful healing and purifying properties. It has been hailed as a miracle plant that's been used in holistic treatment, from skin problems to enhancing immunity. And now, this age-old botanical is breaking into contemporary skincare routines across the globe. As more people are turning to natural and safe alternatives, Neem is emerging as the ultimate go-to for healthy skin. Here is why this ancient botanical has come to be considered essential in the world of modern-day skincare: Good-bye breakouts: Neem is a powerful purifying agent that acts as a superhero in your skin care routine. It cleans clogged pores, controls excessive oiliness from the skin, and combats acne bacteria without drying the skin. It is recommended to go for skin care products that are infused with nature-powered ingredients, including formulations with Neem that gently cleanse the pores without the use of harsh chemicals. Soothes skin stress and inflammation : Modern-day stress affects the mind but usually appears on the skin as breakouts, sensitivity, or dullness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo With its natural anti-inflammatory properties, Neem can provide instant relief when the skin turns red, itchy, or inflamed. It can soothe irritation and minor rashes, reduce redness, and is very useful to people who are looking for immediate results without harsh synthetic ingredients. Nature's detox for daily pollution: Your skin faces pollutants, dirt, and environmental stressors every day. Neem acts as a gentle detoxifier, which draws out impurities and rejuvenates tired skin. The consistent use of Neem-based skincare restores its natural glow and wards off the grime of today's pollution. Provides deep purification: With makeup now becoming an everyday essential for many, whether for work, content, or social occasions, your skin is exposed to layers of product. If the makeup is not removed thoroughly, it can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Neem deeply cleanses the skin washing away the buildup and impurities while keeping it balanced and moisturized. Time-tested ingredient, backed by science: What makes an herb like Neem so powerful is that, on one hand, it has ancient traditions to back it, and on the other, it has the support of converging modern disciplines. Nowadays, you would find Neem in formulations tested by dermatologists and backed by science as they fulfill the changing requirements of conscious consumers who want results in a natural way. In today's time, Neem remains a reminder that nature always acts as the best of ingredients for mankind. While it has been a staple in traditional wellness practices for centuries, its relevance has only grown in today's skincare landscape. Its deep cleansing property, soothing ingredients, and protective power offer the skin complete protection, and thus, till the present day, the Neem acts as an answer that some really simple ingredients deliver mighty results. When you have innovation with the touch of traditions, your skin gets the best of both worlds. Dr. Hariprasad V.R. The above article is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your dermatologist or other qualified health professional for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Award for city doc
Lucknow-based physician Dr Pulkit Mehrotra will be honoured with the Young Investigator Award at the World Congress of Gastroenterology 2025, to be held as part of Australia Gastroenterology Week. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A resident doctor at Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai, Dr Pulkit's research, which explores overlooked liver disease in high-risk populations, was chosen from hundreds of international submissions. "It's a big moment for me and my mentors," said Dr Mehrotra.
