Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Oct 1: The twin-districts level annual convention of Janajagruthi Vedike, working for de-addiction, will be held on October 2 at M Sundar Ram Shetty Memorial Hall, Puttur on October 2, informed Vedike secretary K mahavir Ajri, through a press release.

The Vedike, the release says, has conducted a total of 235 de-addiction camps and helped around 14,000 persons to kick the drinking habit. Dharmastala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade has been a driving force behind the achivements of the Vedike, he has said.

The Vedike came into being about 17 years ago, on account of a vision Dr Heggade had for the upliftment of the backward classes, realising that vices were the root causes for their poverty. The Vedike has been holding various social programmes against anti-social activities, spurious liquor, illegal sale of liquor etc. Scores of people, who have got rid of their addictions, are now living a contented life, Ajri explains.

The Vedike has been issuing idetity cards to the de-addicted persons. Motivational camps and refresher programmes are also held to enable the people to remain strong in their resolve not take to drinking again. The Vedike has also been organizing 'Swastya Sankalpa' programmes for the benefit of students, who are educated on the long term ill-affects  the drinking habits will have on the people and their families.

Ajri said, that Dr Heggade will preside over the annual convention. Mangalore M P D V Sadanand Gowda will inaugurate the programme. Ganesh Karnik, MLC will distribute certificates to the people who kicked the drinking habit at the camps. MLAs B Ramanath Rai and Mallika Prasad will be the chief guests. Former vice chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dr B M Hegde will deliver the key note address, the release informed.