MAM
Breaking youth drug codes with Mathrubhumi’s parent-focused campaign
MUMBAI: When it comes to tackling substance abuse, Mathrubhumi is proving that knowledge is the ultimate weapon. The media house’s latest anti-drug campaign, featuring youth icon Roshan Mathew, isn’t about moralising or over-dramatising, it’s about arming parents with the tools they need to spot trouble before it escalates.
Titled simply yet powerfully, the campaign takes a realistic, engaging approach to the complex issue of youth drug use. It dives straight into the world parents rarely see, decoding the slang, secret codes, and even the pricing of substances that school-going children might encounter. By blending hard facts with practical guidance on monitoring financial transactions and recognising behavioural red flags, the initiative goes beyond typical warnings.
“We aim to go beyond mere warnings and public appeals. The goal of this campaign is to arm parents with the specific knowledge they need to win this fight,” said Mathrubhumi managing director M.V. Shreyams Kumar. The approach shifts the focus from scaring young people to equipping the adults closest to them parents, families, and teachers with actionable insight.
Maitri Advertising managing director Raju Menon of which conceptualised the short film, emphasised the strategy behind the realism. “While most anti-drug campaigns target the users themselves, we wanted to speak to those most likely to identify the issue early. Sure, kids might adapt their slang after seeing this, but at least we give parents a headstart.”
The short film’s reception has been electric, sparking conversations across social media and in households alike. Its appeal lies in its authenticity: instead of bombarding viewers with fear-inducing images or exaggerated scenarios, it presents knowledge in a digestible, relatable format. Parents are shown not just what to look for, but how to interpret subtle signals from behaviour, conversations, and even financial patterns, a roadmap for proactive engagement.
By leveraging Roshan Mathew’s relatability among the youth, the campaign bridges the generational gap. It reminds parents that influencing children about the dangers of drugs isn’t about confrontation, it’s about connection, awareness, and timely action. Every code word decoded, every price point revealed, and every practical tip shared is a small but crucial victory in the fight against substance abuse.
Mathrubhumi’s initiative stands out for transforming anti-drug messaging from abstract warnings into tangible, everyday tools for parents. It’s a campaign that proves education and awareness can be both accessible and compelling, encouraging adults to step into the roles they’re naturally equipped for guides, protectors, and early responders. In a world where quick fixes and shortcuts often dominate, Mathrubhumi reminds us that vigilance, knowledge, and parental involvement remain the most effective measures.
With this campaign, the message is crystal clear: the first line of defence against youth drug abuse isn’t law enforcement or peer pressure, it’s informed, attentive parents, ready to decode the hidden signals before it’s too late.
Brands
Buffett bets on The New York Times, cuts Amazon stake
Berkshire invests $352 million in NYT, trims tech, and backs insurance, energy and consumer stocks.
OMAHA: Warren Buffett is famously a creature of habit, but his latest portfolio shake-up suggests even the world’s most patient investor knows when to change the channel. In a move that has sent the media world into a frenzy, Berkshire Hathaway has officially checked into The New York Times while largely checking out of Amazon.
Buffett’s firm snapped up roughly 5.1 million shares in The New York Times Company, a stake valued at a cool $352 million. The Buffett effect was immediate: shares in the publishing giant jumped more than 10 per cent as investors scrambled to follow the leader.
While Buffett offloaded his traditional local newspapers back in 2020, this isn’t a nostalgic trip to the printing press. The New York Times is now a digital powerhouse, fueled by a buffet of subscriptions covering everything from breaking news to Wordle and recipes. It seems the sage of Omaha still has an appetite for businesses with pricing power and a loyal following.
Berkshire slashed its holdings in Amazon by nearly 75 per cent during the final quarter of the year. Once a rare foray into the world of big tech for Buffett, the firm now holds a relatively modest 2.3 million shares. The pruning did not stop there, as other household names also saw a haircut. Apple was reduced to a 1.5 per cent position, while Bank of America was trimmed to 7.1 per cent, signalling a broader pullback from some of its large financial and technology bets.
So, where is the money going? It appears Buffett is heading back to basics, favoring sectors that can weather a storm. Berkshire boosted its positions in Chubb, doubling down on the steady world of insurance; Chevron, fueling up on energy; and Domino’s Pizza, a classic consumer bet that delivers even when the economy doesn’t.
By pivoting toward resilient industries and subscription-heavy media, Berkshire is returning to its roots: finding companies that people simply cannot live without, whether they are hungry for a slice of pepperoni or the morning headlines.
