Mangaluru, June 25: The Department of Counselling at St Aloysius PU College, in collaboration with the district administration, Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate, Mangaluru Customs Commissionerate, and the Indian Coast Guard, organized an awareness program to promote a drug-free India. The event was held at Loyola Hall on Tuesday, June 25.
Prominent dignitaries, including Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan, Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal, Commissioner of Customs Vinitha Sekhar, District Coast Guard P K Mishra, and Prof P K Kiran Kumar, graced the occasion.
Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan inaugurated the program and administered an oath. In his address, he emphasized the importance of education in making students socially responsible and highlighted the dangers of drug use. “Drug use is a mental illness and worsens mental conditions. We must address the demand for drugs, as drug peddlers target kids under 18. Every school needs a prevention program, and there are 528 anti-drug cells in our district. Confidential counseling is available to help those addicted,” he stated.
Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal spoke on the sensitivity of drug abuse, noting that nine out of ten people start using drugs before age eighteen. “Catching drug abusers early helps prevent further harm. In the past six months, 500 drug consumers were booked, with many turning into peddlers for money. The solution lies in self-control, and if you see someone consuming drugs, inform the authorities,” he urged.
Vinitha Sekhar, Commissioner of Customs, stressed the theme of the UN’s campaign against drugs, “Invest in prevention.” She explained India’s strategic position along major drug trafficking routes and the measures taken to prevent drugs from entering the country. “Drug abuse is a social problem with far-reaching consequences. Preventing drug trafficking is crucial,” she said.
District Coast Guard P K Mishra highlighted the importance of brief and clear communication about drug awareness. “Be observant and inform the authorities if necessary. Preventing even one person from falling into drug use is a significant contribution to society,” he emphasized.
The event included a talk by Dr. P K Kiran Kumar, Professor of Psychiatry at AJ Institute of Medical Science. Fr. Clifford Sequeira, principal of St Aloysius PU College, and Deviprasad, special officer of the Regional Office, were also present. Vice Principal Muralikrishna welcomed the gathering, and Sangeeta M Sequeira from the Department of Counselling proposed a vote of thanks.
