‘Don’t get Addicted to Drugs’- CKM SP Annamalai Advice to Students
Pics By Allister Attur and Neeraj Patil
Udupi: “Today the new pattern of drugs have emerged only because of demand. The society should join hands with the law enforcement department to stop the demand for drugs,” said K Annamalai Superintendent of Police Chikkamagaluru District.
He was speaking at the “Say No to Drugs students Walkathon – 2018” organised by the Udupi district police, Udupi district working Journalists Association and Udupi Press Club Jointly at the Ajjarkad district stadium on September 14.
Addressing the gathering Annamalai said, “Today many are organising programmes only for namesake and not out of real concern. But programmes on awareness of Drug Abuse should be taken seriously. The young generation showing a keen interest in such programmes in Udupi district is appreciable. Many people have been addicted to drugs because of depression. Consuming Drugs is not the solution to the depression. Teachers and parents should join hands to solve the problems arising from drug abuse in the society,” he said.
Annamalai further said, “Many people have made drugs as a business. Most drug users are in the productive age group of 18-35 years and the loss in terms of human potential tremendous. The damage to the physical, psychological, moral and intellectual growth of the youth is very high. Drug peddlers generally target students of high schools and colleges who are prone to suffer from depression”.
Annamalai also said, “Many times, students and youth may not be aware of the harmful effects of illicit drugs. Youth, especially, suffer from insecurity and depression and fall prey to drug peddlers. The Public should come forward in providing information about drug peddlers and drug addicts to the police. Punishing drug addicts is not the solution, those addicted can return to normal life through counseling. The student community should not support Drug peddling, they should help in putting an end to the demand and supply of drugs,” he said.
Dr Mohan Alva Chairman of Alvas Education foundation in his message said, “Our coastal district is popular for education but have failed to keep the society healthy. Some people get addicted to drugs to forget their problems, while some start using drugs to show off. Nowadays drug peddlers have become active in most of the colleges. In case students get to know of such activities, they should come forward and inform the police,” he said.
Dr Alva also said that the misuse of illegal drugs is creating health challenges, especially for the young generation and school going children, suggesting that the problem of drug abuse can be solved by awareness, prevention, incentives, and support.
Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat in his message appreciated various initiatives taken by the district police, district working journalist’s Association and Udupi press club to create awareness on drug abuse in the district. In these efforts, compassion and sympathy for drug addicts is necessary. Parents, teachers, voluntary organisations etc should be associated in the medical and rehabilitation efforts,” he added.
Laxman Nimbaragi district Superintendent of Police in his presidential message said, “Many high school and college students are getting addicted to medicines and substances. He asked parents and teachers to keep a close watch on adolescent children who are vulnerable to substance abuse. Such students should be subjected to counseling and de-addiction therapy,” he said.
Earlier Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbaragi flagged off the Walkathon in front of the MGM College Indrali. The Walkathon passed through Indrali, Kadiyali, Kalsanka, City Bus-stand, Service Bus-stand, Shiribeedu, Kidyoor Road, Triveni Circle, KM Marge, Court Road, Big Bazar, Town Hall and culminated at the Ajjarkad district grounds.
Nithyananda Volakadu and his team presented the Mono Act on Drug Abuse Awareness throughout the Walkathon. Nearly 3500 students from 19 educational institutions participated in the 5 KM Walkathon. Shrayes Kotian from MGM College also spoke on Drug Abuse and inspired the students.
Additional SP Kumarchandra, Sponsors Sandeep Shetty, Deepak P, Udupi Press Club Convener Nagraj Rao were present on the occasion.
Journalist Shashidhar Masthibailu welcomed the gathering, Deepak Jain delivered the vote of thanks. Michael Rodrigues compered the programme.