Mangalore Diocese News

The Aim of the Workshops is to Raise Awareness on World Anti-Human Trafficking Day

Media Release

Puttur, Aug 1 : In a significant initiative, the Anti-Human Trafficking Club of St Philomena College Puttur, in collaboration with esteemed legal organizations such as the District Legal Authority Mangalore, Taluk Legal Services Committee Puttur, BAR Association Puttur, Department of Education Puttur, and Anikethana Educational Trust Puttur, came together to observe World Anti-Human Trafficking Day. The occasion was marked by the inauguration of a series of workshops aimed at creating awareness among approximately 1000 students across various identified schools from 31 July 2023 to 01 August 2023. On 05 August Valedictory program will be organized at Shri Ramakrishna Highschool ,Kombettu ,Puttur.

The inaugural ceremony took place at St Philomena High School premises on July 31, 2023. Rev Fr Maxim D’Souza, the Headmaster of the High School, presided over the program. The Honorable Senior Civil Judge of Puttur, Shri R P Gowda, inaugurated the event and emphasized in his inaugural address the importance of every citizen's constitutional right to live freely in society. He condemned human trafficking as a heinous crime and called on all citizens to actively combat such acts.

The first session, conducted by senior lawyer Shri Girish Mali, shed light on cybercrimes and how technological advancements have led to an increase in criminal activities. Taluk Legal Services Member Secretary and Chief Civil Judge Archana Unnithan expressed her support for the program. During the ceremony, Shri Shyamprasad Kailar, Treasurer of the Puttur BAR Council, administered an oath to 450 students and teachers, emphasizing their role in fighting against human trafficking.

Distinguished personalities, including Second Additional Judge Shri Yogendra Shetty, Puttur BAR Council Vice President Shri Kakve Krishnappa Gowda, Anikethana Educational Trust Managing Trustee Shri Krishna Prasad Nadsar, Advocate Akshatha, and School Education Department Coordinator Shri Hariprasad, were present at the inaugural session.

The event commenced with a soulful prayer rendition by Anushree and her team. The program was warmly welcomed by Bharathi S Rai, Member Secretary of St Philomena College Anti-Human Trafficking Club. Shri Chinmaya Rai, Chief Secretary of the Puttur BAR Council, extended the vote of thanks. Ms Akshatha Nayak compered the proceedings.

The joint efforts of the Anti-Human Trafficking Club of St. Philomena College Puttur and the esteemed legal bodies mark a crucial step towards raising awareness and empowering students to combat human trafficking in society. The series of workshops is expected to play a pivotal role in creating a vigilant and proactive community in the fight against this abominable crime.