Pics: Ahammed Bava
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Nov 21: "The youths of today are getting addicted to drugs at their young age. Usually, in the initial stages they begin with the consumption of drugs or substance abuse due to peer pressure or to experiment the same out of curiosity," said Lohith K, counsellor at Alvas Punarjanma Dushchata Nivarana Kendra.
He was speaking at an anti-drug awareness programme organised jointly by Khidmah Foundation Gurukambal and GNRE Welfare and Education Trust (R) Ganjimutt in Zara Convention Centre here on Tuesday, November 21.
"Due to substance abuse, suicides and other crimes are increasing in society. Consumption of drugs has led to crime of highest order in society. As much as 80% of crimes take place due to consumption of drugs. Presently, even girls are getting addicted to drugs," he remarked.
He said that substance abuse leads to psychological problems. He called upon youths to stay away from drugs, adding that, youths should always have desire, discipline, dedication, determination and be daring in their lives.
Rev Fr Rudolph Ravi D'sa said, "Earlier drug menace was prevalent only in the cities, but it has now reached the villages. Addiction to drugs leads to depression. It is spreading like an epidemic in society. Addiction to drugs will affect people economically and also hinder the personality development of any youth. Being away from drugs is the greatest contribution to nation building."
He said that people especially youths are becoming victims of substance abuse irrespective of caste and religion. We all should join hands to make the country free from drugs.
Manager of Shanthi Prakashana Janabh Mohammad Kunhi Mangaluru said, "From a young age girls and boys are getting addicted to drugs.Several crimes in society are being reported because of substance abuse. Consumption of drugs is a disease to society."
He also added that when parents find change in behaviour of their children as they take to drugs which should be analysed and not neglected. Parents should provide proper care and affection to their children.
"Sometimes children go astray due to family environment. Parents play a prominent role in building the character of their children. Parents should be like friends to their children," he said.
Dr EKA Siddiq Addoor vice-president of Akhila Bharth Beary Parishath, Irshad Ahammed representative of GNRE and others were present.
Syed Anwar president of Khidmah Foundation Gurukambal welcomed. Zaheer Nasir, representative of GNRE, proposed the vote of thanks.
Pramod Kumar Shetty compered. Several students from various schools took part in the programme.