KASARGOD:
The state-wide vehicular – cum signature drive held to mobilise grass-root level support for the “Drug-free Kerala” campaign launched by Vimukthi Mission under the Excise Department has concluded in Kasaragod.
The valedictory function held in Kasaragod was inaugurated by N A Nellikkunnu MLA. Senior Excise Department officials and people’s representatives were present. The 43-day roadshow, flagged off from the state capital by Excise Minister T P Ramakrishnan, had covered 2768 Km with stop-overs at 227 places. The campaign received overwhelming response from the people in all places it visited across the 14 districts.
The roadshow was a major component of the 90-day intensive campaign launched by Vimukthi based on the moto “tomorrow’s Kerala, drug and addiction free Kerala.” Various programmes emphasising collective efforts to free the state from drug abuse to build a healthy society were conducted throughout the state.
These included evening gatherings on beaches, motorcycle rallies by Excise Department personnel highlighting the message, lucky dips, flash mobs, musical programmes, mimicry and campus events in association with student unions of various colleges. The mobile exhibition rolled out as part of the campaign was visited by over 10,000 people.
Lending a big support to the campaign, employees of all government offices and public sector undertakings across the state had on Thursday taken the anti-drug and de-addiction pledge.
Vimukthi has forged partnership with anti-drug clubs at schools and colleges, student police cadet corps, state library council, voluntary outfits, and student, youth and women organisations. The mission has also launched educative, awareness and rehabilitation programmes and counselling service to root out the menace. It has also roped in Kudumbashree units to spread the “Say no to drug” message, besides displaying boards and stickers on as many as 500 KSRTC buses plying around the state.
Giving a big boost to the campaign, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan changed the cover photo on his Face Book account on the New Year eve to highlight the significance of the drive for a better future.
