Mangaluru: More than 3,000 students, faculty members, and staff of Father Muller Charitable Institutions participated in a massive Anti-Drug Walkathon at the Kankanady campus under the banner of the Nasha Mukt Bharat initiative, sending a strong message against substance abuse and its harmful impact on individuals, families, and society.
Held on a cloudy morning, the rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across various constituent institutions of FMCI. The grounds in front of St. Joseph Chapel turned into a sea of white as participants gathered wearing specially designed anti-drug awareness T-shirts.
The walkathon highlighted the growing role of youth participation in promoting social awareness and combating substance abuse through collective action and community engagement.
District Commissioner flags off anti-drug rally
Welcoming the gathering, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, expressed happiness over the overwhelming participation and appreciated the discipline and enthusiasm displayed by students and faculty members.
He highlighted the significance of the anti-drug campaign and introduced the chief guests, including Mr. Dharshan H. V., IAS, District Commissioner and District Magistrate of Dakshina Kannada, and noted entrepreneur and philanthropist Mr. Michael D’Souza, who attended the flag-off ceremony.
Addressing the participants before flagging off the rally, Mr. Dharshan commended the remarkable turnout of youth and stressed the importance of community participation in combating drug abuse.
He assured that individuals seeking help for addiction could confidentially approach authorities and encouraged citizens, particularly young people, to remain vigilant and report drug-related activities without hesitation.
According to him, public awareness and collective responsibility are essential for building a safer and healthier society.
Rally moves through major city routes
The procession commenced from the Father Muller campus and proceeded through the main gates towards Karavali Circle before moving along the newly concretised Pumpwell Road.
The rally later re-entered through the Father Muller Convention Centre gates and concluded at the Father Muller Grounds.
An open tableau truck and a specially designed anti-drug awareness vehicle carrying slogans and campaign messages added visual impact and public attention to the initiative. Participants continuously raised slogans promoting a drug-free society and social responsibility throughout the procession.
Police officials and dignitaries praise youth participation
At the concluding ceremony, Mangalore South Police Sub-Inspector Mr. Maruthi appreciated the enthusiasm displayed by the youth and highlighted the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
He stated that addiction destroys not only individuals but also families and communities and therefore needs to be addressed proactively before becoming deeply rooted in society.
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Mr. Michael D’Souza praised the efforts of the civil and traffic police personnel for ensuring the smooth and safe conduct of the large procession through the city.
He also appreciated Father Muller Charitable Institutions for its more than 140 years of dedicated healthcare service and for taking up meaningful public awareness initiatives addressing pressing social issues.
Extensive planning ensured successful execution
The event was coordinated under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Michael Santhumayor, Administrator of Father Muller Medical College, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, and Father Muller College of Physiotherapy, who supervised the logistical arrangements for the walkathon.
The programme was compered by Prof. Cherishma D’Silva, Principal of Father Muller College of Pharmacy, and Dr. Sueallen D’Souza, Pathologist at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, who motivated participants throughout the event.
Organisers noted that the anti-drug initiative was inspired by the vision of Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, whose commitment towards spreading awareness about substance abuse encouraged participation from all educational institutions under FMCI.
His support in providing campaign T-shirts and breakfast for participants further strengthened the spirit of the initiative.
Winners of anti-drug awareness competitions honoured
During the concluding ceremony, winners of the Reel Making Promo Competition and Slogan Writing Competition were also announced and honoured.
In the Reels Competition, the first place was won by “One Choice, Two Lives” led by Pranam G. from Father Muller College of Physiotherapy.
The second place was secured by “Dream” led by Zoie Abigail Mascarenhas from Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, while the third place went to “What Started as Fun” led by Irin Mathew from Father Muller College of Physiotherapy.
In the Slogan Competition, the first prize was won by Ms. Likhitha, First Year BSc AT&OT student, for the Kannada slogan promoting healthy living free from addiction.
The second prize was awarded to Ghanshyam Prasad, First Year BSc Nursing student, while the third prize went to Lia Ann Thomas, MD Radiation Oncology student.
The walkathon concluded with a strong message that youth-led awareness campaigns and collective action remain vital in building a healthier, safer, and drug-free society.
