Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, May 28:  Taking an initiative to make a substance abuse free society, Ian Cares Foundation (R) along with Mangalore Catholic Cooperative (MCC) Bank jointly organised an one day workshop on the subject - ' Freedom from drugs, drinks, depression' at Sarva Dharma Sangama, Quila, Moorukaveri, Kinnigoli here on Sunday, May 28.

After inaugurating the workshop along with other dignitaries, Fr Cyprian Lewis (SVD) said, "Stephan Mascarenhas (Hemacharya) even during his hard times is helping the people by educating them and creating awareness on substance abuse. The choice depends upon what we choose. He is really working for a noble cause."

He also added that god is working for us and we are his co-workers. Hemacharaya has taken this social programme as the first step towards the giant leap.

Floral tributes were paid to late Balakrishna Poojary (Shekar) by dignitaries on the occasion as a mark of respect to him and his family members.

Administrator of Durgaparameshwari Temple, Ulepady, Mohandas Surthkal said, " Hema means gold, Acharya means knowledge. Whatever work is done by Hemacharaya will be unique and intelligent."

"I always wish that these condolence meetings should come down in society. It means, the accidental deaths should not take place. None should die accidentally," he said.

Further, he also said that one should love all the religions, but one should also live on his own religion. This is the core of all the religions of the world. Today, in society, we are losing peace and brotherhood,” he added.

He also said one should go on a good path with good habits and should not allow bad habits to conquer him.

Kodethoor Bhuvanabhiram, chief editor of Yugapurusha said, "Hemacharaya's Sarva Dharma Sanghama is really unique.The colour of blood of Hindu, Muslim and Christian is the same."

Trustee Dr Derick Lobo felicitated outgoing Trustee Dr Denzil Pinto on the occasion. Hemacharaya read the performance citation of Dr Pinto.

After felicitating Dr Denzil Pinto, Trustee Dr Derick Lobo said, "Hemacharaya has greatly impressed and inspired me. Through the Ian Cares Foundation, he has transformed his personal sorrow for a valuable social cause. Ian Cares Foundation is helping the teenagers to come out from the danger of drinking, drugs and depression."

The goal of Ian Cares Foundation is to bring out the youths from getting into the danger zone and to destroy the mafia which promotes substance abuse directly or indirectly at least in the district. “Creating awareness in the community and the educational institution is our priority,” Derick added.

He also added that cases of suicides, depression and substance abuse are gradually increasing.

Anil Lobo, chairman of MCC Bank said, " God has given talent to every individual. But, some have utilised their talent for good purposes and some have used it for bad purposes. We should take society forward by bringing the youths out from the clutches of the drug mafia. If a small number of youths come out from drug abuse, to the mainstream, the cause foundation will be successful and result oriented. These kinds of programmes are very useful in building personality by freeing them from addiction to substances."

He also said that MCC Bank will always cooperate irrespective of religion or caste for the social cause.

Hemacharaya welcomed the dignitaries. Joseph Pinto compered the event.

Mohandas Surathkal launched the 'Snehitara Sannidhi'.