12-Year-Old Hyderabad Girl Takes a Stand Against Addiction, Becomes Voice of Change

In a remarkable display of courage and determination, 12-year-old Tania Begum of Hyderabad has emerged as a prominent voice against addiction, working tirelessly to raise awareness and inspire change. Tania, serving as an ambassador for the Foundation for a Drug-Free World - India, has become a symbol of hope for many battling addiction. Tania's journey began when she started questioning the effects of drugs after seeing advertisements on television. Fueled by her curiosity, she sought answers from her activist father, who encouraged her thirst for knowledge by providing candid explanations. Accompanying her father to various addiction awareness programs and events, Tania witnessed the harsh realities faced by addicts, which motivated her to take action. Despite initial hesitation from her father about her involvement in campaigns, Tania's passion only grew stronger. Immersing herself in extensive research, she devoured news articles, books, and YouTube videos on addiction and drugs. Inspired by the popular cartoon character Doraemon and his gadgets, Tania wished for tools to combat addiction in real life. Her wish partly came true when she received posters and booklets from a foundation supporting her cause. Tania's dedication caught the attention of Drug-Free World - India, an international organization, which appointed her as their youngest brand ambassador at the age of seven. Armed with educational materials, Tania began spreading awareness in schools, colleges, markets, and events, determined to make a difference with her small yet powerful voice. Recognizing alcohol as the most prevalent addiction in Telangana, closely followed by painkillers, Tania firmly believes that celebrities endorsing such substances set a harmful example for young people. She took to Twitter to voice her concerns, even in the face of adversity when her account was banned. Undeterred, she persisted and created a new account to continue her advocacy. Now, Tania aims to tackle the growing issue of student addiction, particularly the rise of e-cigarette use among children her age. With unwavering dedication and the support of her parents and a small team, she strives to educate her community about the dangers of addiction.