16 hours ago
Slew of events mark International Day Against Drug Abuse in Kochi
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Ernakulam, under the Health department, conducted 23 awareness classes reaching over 2,300 people as part of the State government's 'Lahari Vimuktha Keralam' campaign to combat the growing threat of drug abuse, in the six months leading up to the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday (June 26, 2025).
A cross-section of society — including health workers, senior citizens, students, parents, teachers, and officials from various government departments — benefited from the sessions. Besides, informative programmes were held in collaboration with the Local Self-Government department and other community stakeholders, along with training for police personnel, school counsellors, and Nashamukth officers.
The DMHP in association with District Medical Office (DMO) Ernakulam, National Health Mission Ernakulam and Government Vocational Higher Secondary School, North Edappally, organised a function on Thursday to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
DMO Asha Devi inaugurated the event. Daya Pascal, nodal officer of the DMHP, led a seminar on 'Drug Abuse Among Teenagers and Its Preventive Measures.' Students from SIMET Nursing School, Palluruthy, and Government Vocational Higher Secondary School performed an awareness skit and flash mob. The event concluded with a torchlight rally and a bicycle rally.
Corporation's event
Literary critic M.K. Sanoo inaugurated a youth-focused anti-drug campaign organised by the Kochi Corporation in association with the Higher Education department and the NSS Kochi Cluster. The Kochi City police, the Excise department, and various other organisations took part. The campaign highlighted the message of 'loving humanity and rejecting drugs'. Deputy Mayor K.A. Ansiya presided over the function. An interactive session was held on the topic 'Biology, Mental Health, and Chemical Drugs'.
Excise dept.
T.J. Vinod, MLA, inaugurated an anti-drug awareness campaign organised by the Excise department and the Vimukthi Mission. He called for concerted efforts from all sections of society to combat the drug menace. Deputy Excise Commissioner T.N. Sudheer led the awareness session.
Mission Drug-Free India
The Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive) (CCP), Kochi, organised an awareness campaign for schoolchildren as part of the 'Mission Drug-Free India' initiative at the Government Higher Secondary School for Girls, Ernakulam. Shaikh Khader Rahaman, Chief Commissioner of Central Tax, Central Excise, and Customs, Thiruvananthapuram Zone, was the chief guest. T. Tiju, Commissioner, CCP Kochi, led the campaign. School Principal Mini Ram and Jeo Paul Mampilly were also present.
Anti-drug awareness seminar
Additional Superintendent of Police M. Krishnan inaugurated an anti-drug awareness seminar organised by the Ernakulam Rural police. Earlier, he administered an anti-drug oath at the district police headquarters.
Educational institutions
Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, organised an anti-drug oath-taking programme under the aegis of the NCC. Students and teachers took part in an awareness rally through Kalady town. Students also staged a flash mob and distributed brochures carrying anti-drug messages to the public. Many participated in a poster-making competition. An anti-drug awareness seminar was held in association with the Kalady Excise Office and the Department of Sanskrit.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi campus, organised a human chain against drugs under the aegis of Amrita College of Nursing. Faculty and students from Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Centre for Allied Health Sciences, Amrita School of Dentistry, and Amrita School of Medicine, along with members of Amrita Nursing Services, took part in the event. T.N. Sudheer, Assistant Commissioner of Excise, inaugurated the programme. K.T. Moly, M. Sabitha, S. Rakesh, Sheela Pavithran, K.L. Ajee, and C.V. Vinayakan were present.
Rally featuring schools
Infopark hosted a series of anti-drug awareness programmes, including a rally featuring students from eight schools. Thrikkakara Assistant Commissioner of Police P.S. Shiju inaugurated the event. The rally was held from Athulya building to the Infopark police station.
