Udupi: Plenty of awareness programmes are being conducted to create an alcohol free society. However, the programme arranged by the Sri Dharmastala Gramabhivruddi Yojene is an extraordinary one, said Raghupathy Bhat, MLA.
He was addressing a gathering at the inaugural programme of the Convention of Alcohol Free Society, organised on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday, October 2, at Rajangana, Sri Krishna Matt. The programme was jointly organised by Sri Dharmastala Gramabhivaraddi Yojane, Udupi, Akila Karnataka Janajagrathi Vedike, Belthangadi and Janajagrathi Vedike, Udupi Taluk along with Paryaya Palimar Matt, Sri Krishna Temple.
Harish Shetty Cherkadi, President of Janajagrathi Vedike, Udupi presided over the programme. Sri Sri Vidyadeesha Theertha Swamiji blessed the occasion.
With a vision for the future of the country, Mahatma Gandhiji thought about an alcohol free society in India and spread a lot awareness for the same purpose, Bhat said.
He said that alcoholism and the consequent problems have been creating a negative impact on the moral fabric of the nation. Mahatma Gandhiji has become all the more relevant to bring about a total change, he added.
Tuluva Bolli Sri Dayanand Katthalwar, Member, Tulu Sahiyatya Academy was the resource person on the occasion. Narayana Naik, Kodibettu and Ananda Poojary Kokkarne spoke about the effects on consumption of alcohol.
On the occasion, those who emulated Gandhiji were honoured. Winners of elocution competition, Prajwal of TMA Pai School, Kallianpur, Adharsh of GPUC High School, Brahmavar and Spandana of GPUC High School, Brahmavara, were felicitated on the occasion.
Earlier, a huge rally was organised from the Catholic Centre, K M Marg to Rajangana, Sri Krishna Matt with various tableaus to spread awareness about alcoholism. The rally was flagged off by Dinakar Shetty of Badagubettu Cooperative Bank, Udupi.
B Shivakumar welcomed the gatherings. Rohith H proposed a vote of thanks and Prem Prasad, Asha and Sathish compered the programme,
Dinakar Babu, ZP President, Udupi district, Additional SP Kumarachandra, K Mahaveera Ajri, Regional Director, SDGY, Udupi, Nalini Pradeep Rao President, Udupi Taluk Panchayat, Devdas Hebbar, former state president, AKJV, Belthangadi, Rohith H, Secretary, Project Officer, Taluk Janajagrathi Vedike, Udupi, Shivakumar Ambalpady, Janajagrathi Vedike, Udupi, Purushotham P K, Director, District Janajagrathi Vedike, Udupi and the zonal presidents were present on the dais.
