On August 9, St Aloysius University in Mangaluru held the Annual General Meeting of its Anti-Ragging and Drug Prevention Cell. The meeting brought together key figures from the university and external experts, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to creating a safe and drug-free environment for students.
Attendees included Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor of the university, Dr. Roshan Monteiro, the cell coordinator, and external members such as Dr. Deviprasad, Joint Director of Collegiate Education, Dr. Thomas Scaria, an advocate and internationally certified addiction professional, and others. The meeting also saw participation from registrars, directors, counsellors, special officers, staff, and student representatives.
Fr. Praveen Martis SJ highlighted the university’s proactive measures in preventing ragging and drug abuse through various programs supported by counsellors, value education classes, and student associations. He affirmed the university’s dedication to maintaining a safe campus environment.
Dr. Deviprasad praised the university’s efforts and suggested that St Aloysius could serve as a model for other institutions. He also proposed the idea of the university organizing Training of Trainers (TOT) programs to extend the impact of its preventive initiatives.
Dr. Thomas Scaria emphasized the importance of conducting impact analyses to assess the effectiveness of awareness programs, while Dr. Srinivas Bhat, Head of Psychiatry, stressed the need for policies that actively deter students from harmful activities. Advocate Santhosh Peter D’Souza suggested fostering better interactions between senior and junior students to reduce ragging incidents.
Faizunnisa K.M., Sub-Inspector at North Police Station, Mangaluru, expressed the police department’s full support for the university’s preventive measures.
Dr. Roshan Monteiro provided an overview of the activities conducted during the 2023-24 academic year, aligning them with UGC guidelines. He highlighted the cell’s efforts to raise awareness both within the university and in the broader Mangaluru community.
Sweedal Daphne D’Souza, the university’s counsellor, proposed the vote of thanks, appreciating the active involvement of all participants and the collective dedication to maintaining a safe and healthy student environment.