Drug addiction is a menace that is destroying our society by targeting the most energetic – and the most vulnerable – section of our society – the youth. Since the past few months we have been reading umpteen news reports on the arrest of drug peddlers. However, despite several arrests, the menace of drug addiction has not shown signs of relenting. One need not be a genius to understand the reason behind this: lack of political will.
It is natural for human beings to look for another door to exit when one is shut. Given the current scenario vis-à-vis the drug menace, it was time for the society to look for alternative ways to take the drug menace head on. Sensing the urgency of the situation, the Diocese of Mangalore has taken a proactive step and declared September 2023 as the Anti Drug Awareness month.
Joining hands with this initiative, the parishes of the diocese have conducted various programmes to bring awareness on drugs. Not to be left behind, Angelore – known to do things differently and innovatively – organised the Anti Drug Awareness Programme with a difference. Taking the initiative themselves, the youth of the Parish – Angelore Youth Movement and Young Catholic Students Movement – organised the Drug Addiction Awareness programme on 17th September 2023.
As part of the event, Ranga Adhyayana Kendra and Dramatics Association of St. Aloysius College (Autonomous) was roped in to showcase a street play on awareness regarding drug addiction. After the 7.30 mass, the parents; children studying in high school, PUC and above; and the parish at large assembled at the church premises. The members of the Ranga Adhyayana Kendra presented a 15-minute street play on the causes and repercussions of drug addiction. In the background, the members of YCS displayed the posters on drug addiction that they had prepared the previous Sunday.
In his message to the youth, the Parish Priest Rev. Fr William Menezes, called upon the youth to keep away from drugs and be the pillars of the nation.
The members of AYM, under the leadership of President Mr. Sohan D’Sa and Secretary Ms. Bindu Cutinha, left no stone unturned in making sure that the programme went on seamlessly.
Rev. Fr William Menezes, Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Gerald Pinto, Socius Priest; Mr. Paul Rodrigues, Vice President of the PPC; Mrs. Lolina D’Souza, Secretary of PPC; Ms. Renita Menezes, Coordinator of 21 Pastoral Commissions and Animator of YCS; Mrs. Sylvia D’Souza, Animator of AYM; Mr. Sohan D’Sa, President of AYM; Ms. Bindu Cutinha, Secretary of AYM; and Mr. Deion Pinto, President of YCS were present. Ms. Adeline Pinto compèred the programme.
