Over 3,000 take part in anti-drugs rally

Mangaluru: More than 3,000 students, faculty, and staff of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) participated in an Anti-Drug Walkathon at the Kankanady campus on Wednesday. The rally, organised under the banner of the Nasha Mukt Bharat initiative, sent a strong message against substance abuse and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and society.

The grounds in front of St Joseph Chapel transformed into a sea of white as participants gathered wearing specially designed anti-drug campaign T-shirts. Welcoming the gathering, Rev Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director of FMCI, expressed his delight at the overwhelming participation, and praised the discipline and enthusiasm displayed by the students and faculty.

Addressing the gathering before flagging off the rally, deputy commissioner Darshan HV assured that individuals seeking help for addiction could approach authorities confidentially, and encouraged citizens, especially the youth, to remain vigilant and report drug-related activities without hesitation, thereby contributing to the vision of a stronger and safer India.

The event commenced from the Father Muller campus, moving through the main gates towards Karavali Circle, continuing along the newly concretised Pumpwell road, and re-entering through the Father Muller Convention Centre gates before culminating at the Father Muller Ground. The rally featured a tableau and a dedicated anti-drug awareness vehicle carrying messages and slogans, adding visual impact to the campaign.

Mangaluru South police station PSI Maruthi addressed the participants and praised the enthusiasm displayed by the youths. He emphasised that substance abuse not only destroys individuals, but also shatters families and communities, and therefore must be addressed proactively before it takes deeper root in society.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael D’Souza lauded the meticulous efforts of both the civil and the traffic police personnel for ensuring the smooth conduct and safe navigation of such a large procession through the heart of the city.

Winners of the of the reel making promo competition and slogan competition were awarded prizes.