Mangaluru: Link Association and Ecolink Institute, Mangaluru, celebrated their 10th Anniversary by honouring Ambareesha U.K. for his outstanding contributions to the treatment and rehabilitation of alcohol and drug dependents over the past two decades. The event also recognised two Silver Jubilarians for their 25 years of dedicated service in the addiction recovery field.

Honouring Ambareesha U.K.

Ambareesha U.K., currently serving as a nursing officer in Employees State Insurance Medical Services, was awarded “Person of the Year” for his dedicated service in addiction treatment. He also represents the Government Employees Association in the State Council and serves as the elected president of the South Canara Government Officers Co-operative Bank, Mangaluru.

Dr. Thomas Scaria, founder-director of Link De-addiction Centre and Ecolink Institute, commended Ambareesha’s medical expertise in addiction management, stating:
“Medical management and detoxification are essential parts of addiction treatment, and Ambareesha has provided a healing touch with utmost dedication and commitment.”

Yogesh Kalasadka, Secretary of Link Association, praised Ambareesha’s passion for medical services, particularly his role in treating substance addiction and serving the general public. He highlighted Ambareesha’s contributions as a coordinator of nursing care in Link De-addiction Centre and community recovery camps.

Honouring Silver Jubilarians: 25 Years of Service

Two professionals were honoured for their 25 years of uninterrupted service in addiction recovery:

🔹 Diwakar Poojary – He has coordinated 280 community recovery camps as part of Dharmasthala’s Jana Jagruthi Vedike, touching the lives of around 18,000 people in rural communities. His drug awareness programs have benefitted thousands across various target groups.

🔹 Neri Wilfred Pinto – A dedicated counsellor, Pinto has worked silently yet effectively, guiding hundreds of individuals through the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Both awardees initially served at Link Centre before expanding their contributions to addiction recovery programs.

Recognising Icons of Addiction Recovery

Vivek Vincent Pais, President of Link Association, lauded the awardees, calling them “icons of service and dedication” in addiction recovery. He emphasised that their work continues the mission of the Link Association, ensuring that quality addiction treatment and recovery support remain accessible to those in need.

Link Association’s Role in Addiction Recovery

Link Association is a network of addiction professionals and social workers trained under Dr. Thomas Scaria at Link De-addiction Centre. Many of its members are actively engaged in social service initiatives, including:

✅ Clara D’Cuhna – Runs three recovery homes, including one for women.
✅ Vivek Vincent Pais – Director of Dharmasthala’s addiction recovery project.
✅ Diwakar Poojary – Coordinator of community addiction recovery camps.
✅ Suman Pinto – Professional addiction therapist.
✅ Rohit Sanctus – Founder-Director of Paschim Rehabilitation Centre.
✅ Diana Rego – Works in suicide prevention programs.

Ecolink Institute’s Global Impact

Link Association also operates Ecolink Institute, an international training centre that prepares addiction professionals through programs under the Colombo Plan and UNODC. It offers the Universal Treatment Curriculum on Substance Use Disorder, serving students from over 20 countries.

Conclusion

The 10th Anniversary of Link Association was a celebration of service, dedication, and community impact in the field of addiction recovery. Through its members’ ongoing contributions, the association continues to transform lives and support individuals on the path to recovery.