Udupi: The Udupi district police, along with the Udupi district Journalist’s Association and Udupi Press Club, organized a two-month long awareness programme on drug abuse on Saturday, August 11 at the Udupi Police Headquarters (SP) office.
The programme was inaugurated by Udupi district Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis by watering a coconut sapling, which is to be planted at the police district office headquarter’s premises.
In her inaugural address, the DC said, “The youth are new to the world and they have freedom, but they lack understanding. A majority of the youth can use creative activities and build a strong nation. The Udupi district is one the popular places to study and students around from the globe come here for higher education. Some of them suffer from drug addiction which is of great concern.
“The youth also have a tendency for suicide due to their many challenges. Hence, it is good that the district administration, police and the media are working together to spread awareness among the youth in the district,” she said.
In his presidential address, Laxman Nimbargi, District Superintendent of Police said that it is time to focus on the safety of the youth. “The Udupi district is a vibrant district and there are many school and college students here. Awareness on drug abuse is necessary to control the problem,” he said.
Chief Guest and resource person for the occasion was physician and social worker, Dr P V Bhandary appreciated the motive of the police and the media for organising this programme as there is more curiosity about drugs.
During the occasion, brochures were released in order to spread awareness during the months of August and September by the media and policemen. Meanwhile, a Facebook page “Say No to Drugs” was launched. There are twelve other programmes to be organized across the district.
Additional SP Kumarachandra and Udupi District Journalist’s Association Working President Ganesh Prasad Pandelu were present on the dais.
Earlier DySP Kumaraswamy welcomed the gathering. Convener of Udupi Press Club Nagaraj Rao delivered the vote of thanks and Raheem Ujire compered the programme. Top police officials and journalists were present.
