Udupi Police and UDWJ Start ‘Selfie with Signature Campaign’ against Drug Abuse

Udupi Police and UDWJ Start ‘Selfie with Signature Campaign’ against Drug Abuse

Pics By Prasanna Kodavoor

Udupi: The Udupi district police in association with the Udupi district working journalists’ association and Udupi Press Club, organized a two-month long Anti-drug Awareness campaign which was inaugurated with the “Selfie with Signature Campaign”, at the Big Bazar Premises here on August 22.

The Udupi district and Sessions Judge T Venkatesh Naik inaugurated the campaign by signing on the banner and with the colour imprint of his hand on the canvas at the Big Bazar premises.

Speaking on the occasion T Venkatesh Naik said, “It is a great tragedy that children, young and old get addict to drugs. It is appreciable that journalists have joined hands with the police department to eliminate this illusion in the society. Young people need to be free from addiction. Even after strong rules to control Drug abuse we have failed to implement those rules effectively in the society”.

T Venkatesh Naik further said, “The police department should file more cases against drug trafficking. Similarly, drug traffickers should also be prosecuted. Those suffering from addiction should be identified and properly treated. Everyone should work to create awareness against drug abuse in schools and colleges,” he said.

Udupi DC Priyanka Mary Francis in her presidential remarks said, “It is great that the police department along with Udupi district media is organizing a two-month long awareness programme against drug abuse in the district. Programmes like signature campaign, walkathon, Marathon, Selfie campaigns will help the public to participate more effectively and will also be more helpful in preventing drug abuse,” she said.

Laxman Nimbaragi SP of Udupi in his introductory remarks said, “The main motto of the campaign is to inform and create awareness among the young generation on the effects of drug abuse. This campaign is aimed at creating awareness about the misuse of drugs and to sensitize the student community against drug abuse. Under the leadership of Udupi district police along with Udupi district Journalists’ 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 for two months,” he added.

Actor and artist Sundar Rai Mandara also spoke on the occasion. ASP Kumarachandra, Big Bazar store manager Raghavendra, Accuman Training institute managing trustee Joel Soans, Udupi district working Journalist’s Association president Ganesh Prasad Pandelu were present.

“Selfie with signature campaign” team member Pallavi Santhosh welcomed the gathering, Ashok Poojary delivered the vote of thanks. Press Club convener Nagaraj Vorakdy compered the programme.

After the inaugural function, the public and students in big numbers participated in the signature campaign and selfie awareness programme.