Udupi: Dr P V Bhandary, the renowned psychiatrist and social activist along with a team of doctors and counselors from Dr A V Baliga hospital Doddanagudde set an initiative to start a new campaign against Alcoholism, Tobacco, Drug addiction and Child abuse to create awareness among the school children.
A one day interactive awareness programme was conducted at the St Mary’s English Medium School, Kannarpady as the first step of the new initiative.
The programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp. Annamalai, Superintendent of Police Udupi was the chief guest of the programme.
Addressing the gathering Annamalai appealed to the students to take bold steps to fight against Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Smoking and Child Abuse and spread awareness among the elders in the neighborhood regarding the adverse effects of these social evils.
During his introductory remarks Dr P V Bhandary said that there is a great need to enlighten the school children and channelize their collective efforts against the various forms of addictions and abuses. He further elaborated that the interaction and discussion with the students of St Mary’s School will be video recorded to make a documentary film which will later be screened in as many schools as possible in the district so that school children can know about these issues and respond to them with a sense of social responsibility.
Fr Frederick Mascarenhas correspondent of the school during his presidential address expressed his joy for being a part of the noble campaign.
Dr Virupaksha Devaramane the well known psychiatrist and writer, Principal Myrtle L F Lewis were present on the occasion.
Dr P V Bhandary, Dr Sunil, Dr Deepak Mallya, Sowmya, Nagaraj Murthy, Vidya Murthy, Soujanya Shetty, Padma Suvarna, Jyothi and Jeevan Lewis participated in the interaction with the students and clarified the doubts regarding the socio-economic impacts of various addictions and abuses through an FAQ session.
The programme was coordinated by Deepa Bhandary, vice principal of the school.
It is heartening to note that the School is bringing awareness to the Students. I am sure that this will help not only
the students but the near and dear ones too who are afflicted due to Alcoholism and other addictions.
AA is playing vital role in the lives of a suffering alcoholic. Dr. P. V. Bhandary keep up this good work and God bless
you.