Anatta Speaks: “Unheard Voices” Awareness Session at Ecole Mondiale World School

In February 2026, Vandana Hiranandani delivered an important awareness session as part of the Anatta Speaks initiative at Ecole Mondiale World School. The session was held under the theme “Unheard Voices”, focusing on the growing issue of drug and substance abuse and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Event Overview

“Unheard Voices” is a platform created to bring forward stories and perspectives that are often overlooked or silenced in mainstream discussions. The initiative creates a safe space for meaningful dialogue, inviting speakers, survivors, and experts to share their experiences and insights on important social issues that require greater attention and understanding.

Through these conversations, the event aims to encourage reflection, awareness, and learning, helping young audiences gain a deeper understanding of complex social challenges.

Theme: Drug & Substance Abuse

The 2026 edition of “Unheard Voices” focused on drug and substance abuse, a growing global crisis that continues to affect millions of lives. With over 300 million people worldwide struggling with substance abuse, the consequences extend far beyond numbers.

Addiction often leads to broken relationships, lost opportunities, mental and physical health struggles, and the social stigma that prevents open conversations about recovery and support. The session emphasized the importance of addressing these realities openly and encouraging awareness among young individuals.

By moving beyond statistics and highlighting real experiences and expert insights, the event aimed to break misconceptions, reduce stigma, and promote compassionate understanding of those affected by addiction.

Key Insights from the Session

During the session, Vandana Hiranandani spoke about:

• The psychological and social factors that often lead to substance abuse.

• The impact of addiction on livelihoods, relationships, and mental well-being.

• The importance of awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making among young people.

• The need to break stigma and encourage supportive conversations around recovery.

Q&A with the Speakers

The event concluded with a Q&A session, where students from the audience posed questions to the speakers. Each speaker addressed two to three questions, offering deeper insights into the realities of addiction, prevention, and the importance of emotional awareness in navigating life’s challenges.