Mangalore Diocese News

Thousands partake in the Walkathon for a Drug-Free Community

Media Release

Puttur, Oct 31, 2023 : In a remarkable show of unity and determination, an anti-drug awareness march took place in Puttur on October 30, organized jointly by the Mai De Deus Educational Institutions and Bethany Educational Institutions. Parish Priest Very Rev. Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas, the correspondent of Mai De Deus Institutions, ceremoniously inaugurated the event in the serene surroundings of the St Philomena Quadrangle, where students from the performing arts offered prayers.

This Mega Anti -drug Awareness Campaign was organised under the directions of the Honorable Bishop of Diocese of Mangalore, Most Rev.Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, who also is President of Catholic Board of Education , Mangalore. The directions guided towards conducting various awareness activities through the Educational Institutions and the Churches to the general public with regard to substance abuse and its negative effects upon the society. This mega event is a part of the anti – drug awareness campaign of the Diocese of Mangalore.

This powerful march commenced from the esteemed St Philomena College Puttur, traversing the main road, Mahamayi Temple road, encircling the Puttur Town Police station, and concluding at the sacred grounds of Mai De Deus Church. More than 6,000 students, teachers, professors, and staff members from various Catholic institutions in Puttur, including St Philomena College, St Philomena PU College, St Philomena High School, St Philomena English Medium School, Little Flower Higher Primary School, Bethany High School, Bethany English Medium School, St Victor’s Girls High School, St Victor’s English Medium School, and Mai De Deus Higher Primary School, actively participated in this noteworthy event. The officers and constables from Puttur Police Station ensured the smooth execution of the march.

During the closing ceremony at the church premises, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Dr Gaana P Kumar addressed the audience, commending the event and emphasizing the critical need to educate youngsters about the detrimental consequences of consuming intoxicating substances. She pointed out that this issue plagues our society in various forms, even in small quantities present in everyday items like tea, coffee, and prescribed medicines. Overindulgence and misuse of such substances can lead to addiction and harm. She reminded all that the consumption and sale of intoxicating substances are punishable by law, urging youngsters to work collectively to eradicate this issue from our nation.

Mr Anjaneya Reddy, Sub Inspector (Law and Order) Puttur Town Police Station was graciously present at the concluding event.

Rev. Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas, the correspondent of Mai De Deus Institutions, led the students in taking a pledge against substance abuse.

Awareness song was launched at the beginning of the walkathon and throughout the march, impassioned slogans were chanted, posters were held high, and a concerted effort was made to raise awareness against substance abuse in Puttur. Under the guidance of Mr Prashant Rai, the Coordinator of Performing Arts, students sang songs with the same theme. Additionally, the performing arts division captivated onlookers with a thought-provoking street play titled ‘Maadaka-Maaraka,’ written, directed and performed by Mr Ramanji, Assistant Professor of the Department of Kannada St Philomena College.

Distinguished persons from the community, including Mr Gerald D’Costa, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Parishad, Mai De Deus Church, Rev. Fr Stany Pinto, Campus Director of St Philomena College, Rev. Dr Anthony Prakash Monteiro, Principal of St Philomena College, Rev. Fr Ashok Rayan Crasta, Principal of St Philomena PU College, Rev. Fr Maxim D’Souza, Headmaster of St Philomena High School, Ms Rosaline Lobo, Headmistress of St Victor’s Girls High School, Mr Harry D’Souza, Headmaster of St Victor’s English Medium School, Ms Janet D’Souza, Headmistress of Mai De Deus Higher Primary School, Rev. Sr Lora Pais, Headmistress of St Philomena English Medium School, Rev.Sr Vinisha, Headmistress of Little Flower Higher Primary School, Rev. Sr Celine Patra, Headmistress of Bethany English Medium School, Rev. Sr Shanti Agnes, Mr John Cutino and members of the Management committees of these institutions, as well as presidents and members of the Parent-teacher Associations and Alumni of these institutions, actively participated in this vital campaign.

To conclude this momentous event, participants were treated with sweets and refreshments at the Mai De Deus Church premises, celebrating their collective efforts towards a drug-free and harmonious community.