Religious leader’s join hands for “Selfie with Signature campaign” against Anti Drug Abuse
Pics By Prasanna Kodavoor
Udupi: Sensitizing students and parents on drug abuse, the Udupi district police in association with Udupi district working journalist’s association and Udupi press club organised the “Selfie with Signature” campaign at the Canara Mall, Manipal on Saturday, August 25. Three main religious leaders participated in the programme.
Sri Eshapriya junior Swamiji of Adamar Math along with Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi and Moulana Imranullah Khan Mansuri of Malpe Masjid inaugurated the campaign by signing on the banner and with the colour imprint of their hands on the canvas.
Addressing the gathering Sri Eshapriya junior Swamiji of Adamar Math underlined the need to create awareness on drug abuse and illicit trafficking. He said it would be easier for the law enforcement agencies if citizens were aware of social issues and cooperated with them in putting a check on drug abuse. “It is high time we made the youth aware of the ill-effects of drug abuse as the youth are increasingly falling prey to bad habits. They must understand that such habits at their age could spoil their health and career. Let such an awareness campaign send a wide message from Udupi to the country”, he said.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi Diocese in his message said, “Temporary satisfaction and pleasure will ruin the lives of the young generation. The incidents of drug abuse and alcohol consumption are drastically increasing among the younger age group. Prevention of drug abuse would ensure the well-being of children and youth, their families and the society. While saying ‘no’ to drugs, students should also create awareness of the disastrous effects of drugs,” he said.
Use of drugs would not only affect their health but would induce them to indulge in criminal activities and lower their stature in the society, he said and exhorted them to take a pledge to say ‘no’ to drugs and lead a safe and healthy life. Drug users faced serious health hazards, he said.
Moulana Imranullah Khan Mansuri of Malpe Masjid, Award Winning actor Vijay Mayya also spoke on the occasion. Laxman Nimbargi Superintendent of Police presided over the function.
Prakasha Manager of Canara Mall, Joel Soans Managing trust of Acumen Training Institute Mangalore, Kumarchandra ASP Udupi, Ganesh Prasad Pandelu President Udupi district working Journalists Association were also present.
Divakar Hiriyadka welcomed the gathering, Nagaraj Rao delivered the Vote of thanks. Santhosh Saralebettu compered the programme.