Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MH)

Mangaluru, Jun 25: The department of counselling at St Aloysius PU College, in collaboration with the district administration, Mangaluru city police commissionerate, Mangaluru customs commissionerate, and the Indian Coast Guard, organized an awareness programme aimed at promoting a drug-free India. The event took place at St Aloysius PU College's Loyola Hall on Tuesday, June 25.

Prominent dignitaries, including Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan, Mangaluru police commissioner Anupam Agarwal, commissioner of Customs Vinitha Sekhar, district coast guard P K Mishra, and Prof P K Kiran Kumar, graced the occasion.

Deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan inaugurated the programme and administered an oath. In his address, he emphasized, "This is a golden phase of life for students. They often want to appear cool after watching movies and start consuming drugs once they reach college. But using drugs isn't cool. Drug use is a mental illness, and mental depression often leads to drug abuse. Drugs alter your mind and thinking process, worsening your mental condition. Education should make us socially responsible, influencing our behavior and actions. In both college and school, the availability and demand for drugs are high, with drug peddlers targeting kids under 18. We must address the demand side. To combat this, every school needs a prevention programme, and there are 528 anti-drug cells all over our district. Confidential counseling is also available to help those addicted. It's essential to preach and prevent drug use, as indifference can lead to social problems."

Speaking on the dangers of drugs, Anupam Agarwal stated, "Drug abuse is a very sensitive topic. Nine out of ten people start using drugs before the age of eighteen, which is why we are addressing you students now before the damage can happen. Students often consume drugs to look good in front of friends. Catching drug abusers early helps prevent further harm to them and society. In the past six months, 500 drug consumers were booked, and among them more than 400 consume drugs. During interrogations, we found many turn into peddlers for money. Avoid falling into small traps to prevent bigger problems in the future. There is no cure, only prevention. The solution lies in self-control, and if you see someone consuming drugs, inform the authorities. It's impossible for drug peddlers to get away from us once caught. Don't join the cycle; break it. It breaks our hearts to see young kids in court regarding drug cases. For us, it's statistics; to their families, they are everything."

Further emphasizing drug prevention, P Vinitha Sekhar highlighted, "Invest in prevention; this is the theme of the UN's campaign against drugs. Drug abuse is a social problem affecting individuals, families, and society, with far-reaching consequences for mental health, academics, and physical health. India is a major region for drug trafficking, located along two major routes: the Golden Triangle and the Golden Crescent. These routes bring drugs from the western and eastern sides into the country. Studies show that drug trafficking funds terrorist organizations. To fight this, we use scanners and sniffer dogs to prevent drugs from entering India."

"When discussing drug awareness, it's crucial to be brief and clear. Be observant of your friends and society, and inform the authorities if necessary. Preventing even one person from falling into drug use is a significant contribution to society. Don’t indulge in drugs, and ensure your friends and neighbors don't either," said P K Mishra.

The formal function was followed by a talk by Dr P K Kiran Kumar, Professor of Psychiatry at AJ Institute of Medical Science.

Fr Clifford Sequiera, principal of St Aloysius PU College, and Deviprasad, special officer of the Regional Office, were also present.

Vice principal Muralikrishna welcomed the gathering, and Sangeeta M Sequiera from the Department of Counselling at St Aloysius PU College proposed a vote of thanks.