Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Oct 6: In a powerful address at the Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Kalyana Mantapa, Vivek Vincent Pais, regional director of the Akhila Karnataka Janajagruti Vedike Trust, warned that substance abuse is a greater threat to society than weapons.
"We don’t need missiles or bombs; drugs are killing us every moment," he asserted, urging community awareness on this pressing issue.
The event, organised by the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Grama Abhivruddhi Yojane B C Trust in collaboration with the Shourya Sri Dharmasthala disaster management programme, brought together key figures to discuss Gandhi's ideals and their relevance today. Pais emphasised that the principles of Mahatma Gandhi should be remembered daily, not just on Gandhi Jayanti, as he highlighted the alarming presence of over 11,000 liquor shops in the state without a single de-addiction centre.
Dr Tukaram Poojary, president of the Sanjhayagiri Rani Abbakka Tulu Study Center, echoed these sentiments, stating, "The world understands Gandhi, but we’ve reached a point where we question him." He called for a revival of cleanliness and social responsibility inspired by Gandhi and Dr Virendra Heggade.
The programme was inaugurated by A C Bhandary, with Ronald D'Souza chairing the session. Dignitaries, including Chidanand Rai Kak and Captain Prakash, attended. Dignitaries present included Mahabala Kulal, district director of SKDRDP; Manmath Raj Jain and Purushottam Sarapadi, sector presidents; and former president Balakrishna Alva Kodaje, all emphasizing the need for collective action against substance abuse.
Messages from Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade were shared via LED screens, and members of the Navajeevan Committee were honoured with shawls. The event concluded with cultural performances, leaving attendees inspired to combat the growing menace of substance abuse in their communities.
Bantwal Taluk project officer Balakrishna welcomed the attendees. Amitha, the supervisor from the Panemangalore sector, hosted the event, while Savitha, the supervisor from the Vagga sector, delivered the vote of thanks. Following this, cultural performances took place.