HBA Foundation Launches Drowning Prevention Campaign Inspired by Advaitha Verma

The Hemant Bala Advaitha (HBA) Foundation marked World Drowning Prevention Day by launching a nationwide awareness campaign. Established as a global observance by the United Nations, this day highlights drowning as a significant, yet often ignored public health concern.

This initiative was sparked by the tragic drowning of 18-year-old music prodigy Advaitha Verma in Pawna Lake, Lonavala, in June 2024. His parents, Sudesh Verma and Renu Kaul Verma, transformed their profound personal loss into a public movement with the hope of sparing other families similar grief.

Sudesh Verma stated, "Drowning is silent, swift, and preventable. We want to use our tragedy to warn others. If this campaign saves even one life, Advaitha's voice will continue to echo." According to the World Health Organisation, drowning ranks as the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths globally, claiming over 236,000 lives annually, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where crucial water safety measures are inadequate.

India faces a significant challenge, with drowning accounting for over 38,000 deaths annually, predominantly among children aged 5 to 14. Regions like the Sundarbans in West Bengal report some of the world's highest drowning rates, with more than three children under nine dying daily, per a 2020 study.

Sudesh Verma emphasized the preventability of these tragedies, attributing them to a lack of awareness and water safety knowledge. To honor Advaitha and engage youths through music, the HBA Foundation also launched the Advaitha - A Symphony Music Award 2025. This national singing competition invites Indian vocalists aged 15-19 from Delhi and NCR to submit entries raising awareness about drowning prevention by August 15, 2025. The grand finale will be held in Delhi in September, with winners receiving trophies, certificates, and cash prizes. "Music was Advaitha's soul. Through this contest, we hope his voice will carry forward this life-saving message," expressed Renu Kaul Verma.

The HBA Foundation urges schools, music academies, colleges, and youth groups across Delhi and NCR to participate. Symbiosis's Encore music group, which included Advaitha, is encouraged to join and honor his memory.

(With inputs from agencies.)