Mangaluru: A mega marathon with the participation of nearly 20,000 people, including a large number of students, will be organised as part of the ‘Drug-Free Mangaluru’ campaign, an initiative jointly undertaken by the Make A Change Foundation (MACF) and the Mangaluru City Police. The marathon is expected to be one of the largest public awareness events in the region aimed at mobilising citizens against drug abuse.

Suhail Kandak, founder and chairman of MACF, told reporters on Thursday that the marathon will be organised in the last week of January 2026. He said the event is designed to send a strong message against drug abuse while encouraging community participation, particularly among youth and students.

Marathon to mobilise mass participation

The proposed marathon will see participation from students, parents, educational institutions, civil society groups, and the general public. Organisers said the large turnout is intended to demonstrate collective resolve against the growing menace of drug abuse in the city and surrounding areas.

According to MACF, the marathon will be structured to ensure inclusivity, with different categories allowing participation by school students, college students, and adults. Police officials said adequate safety and traffic arrangements will be put in place to facilitate the smooth conduct of the event.

Organisers believe that large-scale public events such as marathons help create visibility for social causes and encourage conversations within families and communities.

Awareness programmes across institutions

As part of the broader campaign, 100 awareness programmes against drug abuse will be conducted in schools and colleges across Dakshina Kannada district in the coming weeks. Suhail Kandak said that six such programmes have already been held on college campuses, and the response has been encouraging.

“The awareness sessions have evoked positive responses. Several parents have approached us seeking help to free their children from the clutches of drug addiction,” he said.

He added that MACF has already arranged counselling support for seven students through the Born Again Recovery Centre, highlighting the campaign’s focus not only on awareness but also on rehabilitation and support.

Multi-pronged outreach initiatives

In addition to institutional programmes, the campaign has adopted multiple outreach methods to reach different sections of society. A poster campaign organised across the district witnessed the participation of more than 2,000 students, who actively engaged in spreading messages against drug abuse.

Two flash mob programmes have also been conducted at public locations, drawing attention through creative performances. Furthermore, three vehicles fitted with LED display screens are being deployed to screen awareness slides at major public events, including the Karavali Utsava programme venues.

“These visual and interactive methods help in capturing public attention and conveying the message effectively, especially among youngsters,” Suhail Kandak said.

Experts stress growing concern

Psychologist Ruksana from Mangaluru stressed that society as a whole needs to come together to make the city completely free from drugs. She pointed out that the number of students exposed to drug abuse is steadily increasing, making early intervention and sustained awareness efforts critical.

She emphasised that parents, teachers, peers, and community leaders all have a role to play in identifying early warning signs and offering timely support. “Drug abuse is not just a law enforcement issue; it is a social and mental health challenge that requires collective responsibility,” she said.

Experts have repeatedly underlined the importance of continuous engagement rather than one-time campaigns to bring about lasting behavioural change.

Formal inauguration on December 27

Suhail Kandak also announced that a formal inaugural ceremony for the ‘Drug-Free Mangaluru’ campaign will be held on December 27 at the TMA Pai International Convention Centre. Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader will inaugurate the campaign.

Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V, and several religious leaders will be present as guests. Organisers said the presence of political, administrative, and religious leaders reflects a unified approach to tackling the drug menace.

Police officials said the campaign aligns with ongoing enforcement and preventive measures being undertaken by the department to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse.

Focus on prevention and rehabilitation

The organisers said the campaign places equal emphasis on prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation. While enforcement agencies continue to crack down on drug peddling, civil society initiatives such as this aim to address the root causes and social factors that lead to substance abuse.

MACF representatives said counselling support, guidance for parents, and collaboration with rehabilitation centres will remain key components of the campaign going forward.

Conclusion

The ‘Drug-Free Mangaluru’ campaign, anchored by a mega marathon and a series of sustained awareness initiatives, seeks to build a strong community movement against drug abuse. With participation expected from thousands of citizens and support from multiple stakeholders, organisers hope the campaign will create lasting impact and help safeguard the future of the city’s youth.