Pics: Anush Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru Jan 26: Three- day international convention of self help fellowship group Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was inaugurated by Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza on Thursday January 25 at St Agnes Special School ground.

The international convention aims at to create awareness among the general public about the dreadful disease called alcoholism and to find the way to regain hope to lead a good life.

The programme started with serenity prayer. Sourabha Kala Parishat performed welcome dance.

Addressing the gathering Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza said,” AA can go to any extent to help people who have desire to stop consuming alcohol and help them to make sober persons. This is a really a great step from AA. The sacrifice of AA members is appreciable and should be emulated. I congratulate Alcoholic Anonymous for all their achievements,”

MLA J R Lobo said,” Some of the members shared their opinion regarding how they came out from alcoholic addiction. Family members’ support is very crucial in making people give up alcohol. Some women face torture due to the alcoholic addiction of men. AA has been working in building the family values. AA has helped people who were in distress,”

Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr MR Ravi, Bendur parish priest Fr Anthony Serrao and chairman of general service board of AA India Dr Rohan Colaco were present.