Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD)
Mangalore, Jun 26: "Drug abuse is the biggest problem we are facing today; no one has ever found a cure for this and this is affecting our youths who are the future of this world," said Dr Olinda Pereira, founder principal of Roshni Nilaya School of Social Work and founder director of Vishwas Trust.
She was a addressing a programme organized on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held on Thursday June 26 at Ravindra Kala Bhavan, University College, Hampankatta.
The programme was organized by Link Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts, Bajal, in association with the Indian Red Cross Society DK unit, Junior Red Cross, Youth Red Cross and Youth Red Cross unit.
Dr Olinda further said, "The whole world is concerned about drug abuse. There are many problems that today's generation has to cope with, including inflation."
Dr Olinda stressed on the importance of the youth power in future and how the youth can overcome bad habits.
"Youngsters should come together to stop drug menace. First of all, they should find drug peddlers and hand them over to the police. There are many youths who are getting attracted towards bad habits. There are many challenges to overcome. It is very easy for me to give a long lecture, but it is very hard to come out of bad habits. Youth are intelligent, they know how to overcome problem, they just have to put in extra efforts," she said.
Mangalore City Corporation mayor Mahabala Marla said, "Just attending a programme and asking people to quit bad habits will not work. But by putting in some more efforts, everyone can curb the negativities in our city. Day by day drug peddlers and alcohol consumers are increasing, especially among the youth. If we look at the past one month's newspapers, we get to see the news of students being caught in drug peddling. Mainly the high school and college students are lured into this. Every person has the responsibility and duty to control and stop drug abuse."
Getrude Veigas, the deputy director of women and child welfare department, Mangalore administrated an oath to the gathered students that they would not consume drugs or smoke cigarettes, and would stop others from doing so too.
Vinutha Rai, the nodal officer, Youth Red Cross, Mangalore university, said that three minutes were enough to smoke one cigarette which takes away five minutes of life.
"We have seen people dying of cancer. If fire damages your body, alcohol damages both the body and the soul. A minute of enjoyment gives life time of suffering," she added.
Dr Olinda Pereira inaugurated the programme. Prabakar Syrian, the chairman of Indian Red Cross Society, welcomed the guests.
Dr Sathyanarayana Mallipattana, the principal of University College, Hampanakatta, Denis D'Silva and others were also present.