Udupi Police and Journalists Join Hands to Bring Awareness on Drug Abuse
Udupi: The district police along with the Udupi district Journalist’s Association and the Udupi Press Club jointly organized a two-month long awareness and sensitization programme against Drug Abuse on Saturday, August 11 at the district SP office. This campaign is aimed at creating awareness about the misuse of drugs and to sensitize the student community against drug abuse.
The programme was inaugurated by district deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis by pouring water on a coconut plant.
In her inaugural message, Priyanka said, “India has the second largest population in the world. Among the country’s population, 50 percent are youth between the age of 18 to 35. If we used this youth energy for creative activities, then we can build a stronger nation. Students coming to Udupi district for higher education from across the country suffer from drug addiction. This is a matter of great fear. Youth and students should not become victims of drug abuse. In this regard, the Education Department, the Police Department and, the media have to work together.”
Laxman B Nimbargi, SP of Udupi district, in his presidential remarks said, “Drug addiction is common in rich and poor people alike. Money and lack of education is the main problem for drug addiction. What begins with curiosity turns the user addictive. Drugs are only permitted for medical use. Using drugs in other forms is completely banned. There is no legal restriction on drug production in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Drugs are being supplied to our country illegally and these drugs are destroying young lives in our county. Creating awareness is the only way to stop the student community from getting addicted to drugs.”
Dr. P. V Bhandary of AV Baliga Hospital, the key speaker, said that it is important for the police to detect the supply network rather than going after drug addicts. “Similarly, the media should do the task of alerting the public about the risk of drug abuse and the punishment imposed under law. The role of the media and the police department is important towards saving young people from drug addiction.”
Dr. Bhandary further said, “Initially, there is more curiosity about drugs. To relieve stress or the desire to achieve success in sports drives the youth to start using drugs. Finally, they struggle to come out from these drug addictions. The use of drugs causes stress on the brain, causing the user to lose control over its consumption. Finally, addicts lose mental stability. The media and the Police Department should play a vital role in creating awareness about drug abuse among the student community.”
In his introductory remarks, Michael Rodrigues, the joint secretary of Udupi District Working Journalist’s Association, said that as per a recent survey, nearly more than 5 lakh youth are suffering from drug addiction in the state. “We cannot control drug abuse through just laws. Creating awareness on drug abuse is necessary.”
Under the leadership of Udupi district police along with Udupi district Journalist’s Association and Udupi Press Club various awareness programmes like Walkathon, Cyclothon, Marathon, Short Movie making competitions, interactions with former drug addicts, Cartoon fest and Sand sculpture awareness on Drug abuse, etc. will be organized across the district in two months, he added.
During the programme “Say No to Drugs”, a Facebook page was launched by the dignitaries. Udupi District Working Journalist’s Association president Ganesh Prasad Pandelu and Additional SP Kumarchandra were also present.
DySP Kumaraswamy welcomed the gathering. Convener of Press Club Udupi Nagaraj Rao delivered the vote of thanks. Raheem Ujire compeered the programme.
