Rahul Gandhi highlights drug abuse crisis in Kerala, calls for urgent action

On Tuesday, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, addressed the growing issue of drug abuse in Kerala. Sharing a video of his discussion with radio jockey Joseph Annamkutty Jose, clinical psychologist Aditya Ravindran, and homeopathic physician Fathima Asla, Rahul shed light on the alarming situation in the state. During the conversation, Ravindran poignantly summarized the issue, saying, “If you do not fill the minds of youth with hope, they will fill their veins with dope.”

Rahul emphasized how this statement resonates with the struggles faced by many young people in Kerala and across the nation. “Faced with a bleak future and immense pressure, our youth are turning to drugs as a coping mechanism. We must do more to give them hope, support, and purpose, and work together to save our children from the dangers of drug abuse,” he remarked.

Experts highlighted that last year alone, Kerala recorded over 27,000 cases of drug abuse. In response, the Kerala government has allocated Rs 12 crore for the Vimukthi campaign, an initiative by the state excise department aimed at combating drug and alcohol addiction. The campaign focuses on educating young people about the dangers of narcotics, preventing smuggling and hoarding, and promoting de-addiction and rehabilitation efforts.

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