In a state known for its cultural diversity and unique challenges, the Sajeevam Anti-drug Campaign in Kerala stands as a ray of hope and transformation. Caritas India, a driving force behind this initiative, recently organized the state-level semi-annual review and planning meeting on September 5th, 2023, at POC, Palarivattom. This meeting brought together 32 partner organizations, DSSS Directors, and Campaign Officers, making it a pivotal platform for sharing insights, aligning strategies, and evaluating the collective impact of the campaign efforts.

The event commenced with a solemn prayer, setting the tone for a day dedicated to combating drug abuse and addiction. Rev. Fr. Jacob Mavunkal, Forum Director, Kerala, warmly welcomed the participants and underscored the significance of these biannual gatherings. He highlighted the progress made over the past six months, attributing much of the success to Caritas India’s timely guidance and action plans.

The inaugural address was delivered by Fr. (Dr.) Paul Moonjely, Executive Director of Caritas India, ignited a sense of responsibility among the Directors and Campaign Officers. Drawing a poignant connection to Teachers’ Day, he said, “Like teachers, we all are responsible for imparting knowledge and guidance to combat drug addiction. We must have an inner call to engage in our activities without necessarily being intelligent. It is a man and his problems and anxieties that must stir the corners of our minds. I invite you all to this style and orientation.”

Fr. Paul provided a comprehensive overview of Kerala’s current drug addiction scenario and emphasized the need for proactive involvement and effective models to address this growing crisis. He also encouraged expanding the Anti-drug campaign to other states and communities, using Kerala as a model.
Fr. Jacob G. Palackapilly, Deputy General Secretary of KCBC, linked the battle against drug addiction to war, with all participants being soldiers. He emphasized the importance of understanding the true nature of this battle and the strength of the enemy, underlining the need to sharpen tools and prepare comprehensively. He stressed saying, “Our ultimate goal is victory over addiction, and these review meetings serve as crucial forums for honing both our tools and our mindset.”

Following these insightful speeches, an in-house training program empowered campaign team members. Adv. Charley Paul and Mr. Shibin Shaji Varghese led the sessions, focusing on designing effective training modules for students and youth, imparting life skills, and fostering resilience-building strategies. They also highlighted the significance of community engagement and a holistic approach to drug abuse prevention, considering mental health and well-being.

Mr. Sajo Joy, Sajeevam State Coordinator, shared a state-wise overview of the campaign’s activities, reach, and achievements in the last six months. Mr. Abeesh Antony, Caritas India State Programme Associate, Kerala, presented the 12 model programs that have emerged as milestones within the Campaign. These include initiatives like Sajeevam Radio Campaign, Sajeevam Art-therapy Center, Sajeevam Web series, Sajeevam Musical Drama, and more.
Fr. Paul provided feedback, encouraging creative thinking and expansion of activities. He said, “it is a trigger to expand our creative minds. It becomes creative when it moves through the realms of the undone. We must be able to think creatively, transcend all conventions, reach out to new areas of activity, and create paradigms.” He stressed the importance of connecting School Principals and Parish Priests to strengthen the campaign among youth and school-going children.

A group discussion and sharing session allowed DSSS Directors and Campaign Officers to highlight their campaign activities, such as Sajeevam Sunday programs, Anti-drug Day observance, awareness programs in schools, youth engagement initiatives, and volunteerism. Fr. Paul emphasized strengthening voluntary work and giving recognition to volunteers for their dedicated efforts. He suggested, “we have to strengthen voluntary work by bringing together like-minded people, giving a face of volunteer service at parish levels and other levels of society and giving them recognition for their ineffable efforts.”
The way forward was discussed, focusing on creating awareness modules, maximizing Sajeevam taskforce volunteers, forming partnerships, popularizing the campaign statewide, and sharing information among partners.

Fr. Paul Moonjely concluded the program by emphasizing the need to address core issues and care for the people around us.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Sajo Joy, Sajeevam State Coordinator. DSSS partners left with renewed optimism and plans to build drug-free villages, in alignment with the Kerala Catholic Church and Caritas India’s mission. Caritas India continues to steer the Sajeevam Anti-Drug Campaign, leading the change in the fight against drug addiction in Kerala.