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International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: Awareness events against drug abuse held across city
Kochi: At a time when society has grown increasingly vigilant about drug menace following a series of violent crimes, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed in city with renewed calls for awareness, stronger enforcement and community-based prevention efforts.
Commissionerate of customs (preventive), Kochi, conducted an awareness campaign for schoolchildren as part of Mission Drug Free India at Ernakulam Govt Higher Secondary School for Girls. Chief commissioner, central tax, central excise and customs, Shaikh Khader Rahaman inaugurated the function. Commissioner T Tiju conducted awareness session for students.
Infopark hosted a range of programmes featuring a rally by students from eight schools.
Adding a unique touch to the event, Thrikkakara assistant commissioner of police Shiju P S performed a song during inaugural ceremony at Athulya auditorium, helping draw more attention to the cause. Addressing the gathering, Shiju called upon children to earn the courage and determination to say 'no' even to close friends who may encourage them to do wrong things.
Anti-drug rally was taken out from Athulya building to Infopark police station.
Infopark assistant manager Sajith N G administered anti-drug pledge at the conclusion of the rally, which was organized by Infopark police station along with Progressive Techies — a socio-cultural and welfare organization of IT employees.
At Park Centre, which is the administrative hub of IT complex in suburban Kakkanad, employees took an anti-drug pledge in the presence of Infopark CEO Susanth Kurunthil.
Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran inaugurated an anti-drug campaign titled No Entry as part of the launch of a five-year project, SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment Village), being implemented in Ernakulam parliamentary constituency under the leadership of Hibi Eden, MP.
Eden said goal of the project is to ensure collaborative efforts of public representatives, educational institutions and social organizations to address the serious challenge of protecting children and youth from influence of intoxicants.
Prithviraj said there is a misconception in society that drugs are a fuel for creativity in film industry. He stated that no great work was ever created under influence of any drug. A drug awareness seminar was organized at Edathala MES MK Mackar Pillai College for Advanced Studies under the leadership of rural district police. An awareness cycle rally was conducted under the guidance of Kodanad police station. Perumbavoor ASP Shakti Singh Arya inaugurated the event.
A pledge against drugs was taken at rural district police headquarters and additional SP M Krishnan administered oath.
