Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 28: Calling for strong social participation alongside police efforts, leaders from various faiths on Saturday gave a clarion call to society as the ‘Drug-Free Mangaluru’ campaign was formally launched by the Mangaluru City Police in association with the Make A Change Foundation. The inauguration programme was held at the TMA Pai International Convention Centre.
Addressing the gathering, Ramakrishna Math seer Swami Yugeshananda said that in the pursuit of instant pleasure and artificial highs, the younger generation is getting attracted to drugs. He cautioned that such momentary happiness causes severe harm to both body and mind, and stressed the need to motivate youth towards healthier alternatives such as physical fitness, dance and music.
Mangaluru diocese bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha said the city is preparing to welcome major IT companies as it moves towards becoming an IT hub. At such a crucial juncture, he said, society must free itself not only from substance abuse but also from intoxication of power, authority and reckless indulgence. He urged people to fill empty hearts with spirituality, love for God and a deeper understanding of the true meaning of life.
State general secretary of SKSSF Anees Kausari called upon society to commit itself to change starting today, and work collectively to restore the pride of the coastal region by building a drug-free society. He said all religions preach peace, coexistence and harmony, and emphasised that humanity can thrive only in a society that rises above intolerance.
Making a presentation on the campaign, Make A Change Foundation founder Suhail Kandhak said that 102 programmes have been planned as part of the ‘Drug-Free Mangaluru’ initiative. He said religious leaders, noted personalities from Tulunadu, educational institutions and the district administration have joined hands in the campaign.
Mangaluru Police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, who was the chief guest, said the city has produced several IPS officers, professionals and software industry leaders, which is a matter of pride. However, he expressed concern over the increasing number of medical, engineering, PU and other students getting caught in drug consumption and peddling cases.
He urged students to not only stay away from drugs but also report any instances of drug use or sale within their circles. QR codes have been installed in all schools and colleges for this purpose, ensuring complete confidentiality for informants. Based on information received through these QR codes, 25 drug peddlers were arrested in the past week alone. The facility is also open to the general public, he added.
The commissioner further said drug tests are being conducted in all colleges across the district, with 10,000 students tested over the past six months. Of these, 50 tested positive for drug use. He recommended mandatory drug tests at the time of college admissions and once every three months thereafter, along with rehabilitation support for those found positive. He also appealed to parents and community organisations to remain vigilant.
The programme was attended by actor Roopesh Shetty, Mangaluru University vice-chancellor Prof Dharma, Wenlock Hospital superintendent Dr Shivaprakash, SKSSF state president Hafeez Sufiyan, young entrepreneur Dion Monteiro, deputy commissioners of police Mithun and Ravishankar, psychologist Dr Ruksana, and community leaders including Nasir ‘Lucky Star’ and Anildas, among others.
Sharing a stark warning, commissioner Reddy said that involvement in drug supply and peddling guarantees a minimum of 10 years in prison, with no bail for at least six months. He noted that 120 persons are currently serving jail terms in drug-related cases, while over 50 others are likely to be arrested soon. He added that around 80 per cent of undertrial prisoners in Mangaluru jail are linked to drug offences.
Meanwhile, Anees Kausari stressed the need to establish a dedicated de-addiction centre in Dakshina Kannada district to help those already trapped in substance abuse, calling for serious deliberation on the issue.