This year Caritas India and Santhwanam, Thrissur teamed up to organize a State Level Anti-Drug observation day program at St. Joseph’s Model HSS, Kuriachira, Kerala on 26th June 2023. The day is observed worldwide as International Day Against Drug Abuse and Addiction to raise awareness about the global problem of drug abuse and addiction.

Caritas India in close collaboration with the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) & Catholic Dioceses in Kerala has initiated the ‘Sajeevam’ campaign to increase awareness among individual families and communities on the negative impact of drug and substance abuse.

“School children can play a significant role in preventing drug abuse at the family level,” said Mr. Abeesh Antony, State Programme Officer, Kerala, who enlightened the audience about bringing together students, teachers, and staff to address the pressing issue of drug abuse. Mr. Abeesh emphasized the importance of early intervention and awareness, urging students to be vigilant and proactive in spreading awareness about the risks of substance abuse.

A street play & theme dance was performed by the social work student at St. Mary’s College, Thrissur, Kerala. The performers effectively showcased the detrimental consequences of drug addiction, aiming to create a lasting impact on the audience and encourage them to join the fight against drug abuse.

A thought-provoking debate was conducted among school students on the topic of “Children can prevent drug and alcoholism in the family.” The debate not only brought the students’ research and public speaking skills but also ignited an important conversation on a topic that affects many households. The event inspired the students to take active roles in promoting a healthy and drug-free environment within their families and the broader community.

1,800 school students participated in the poster-making and collage-making competition using their creativity and artistic skills to convey powerful messages highlighting the consequences of drug addiction and the importance of making healthy choices. The competition successfully fostered a sense of unity and commitment toward combating drug addiction in our school.

As part of World Drug Day, a quiz competition on drug abuse and addiction was organized, featuring representatives from 10 Lavender Army schools. The participants were tested on various aspects including the types of drugs, their effects on individuals and society, and preventive measures to combat addiction. “These programs by Caritas India are highly inspiring to impart knowledge in children and to recognize what is good at a young age and adopt some good ways for a better future,” said Ms. Ann Maria, the Ashakiranam Volunteer Lead of St. Joseph’s Model HSS.

The state-level observation programme concluded with a public gathering of all the school students and teachers. The gathering was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Mar. Tony Neelankavil, Aux. Bishop, Thrissur Archdiocese by lighting the lamp. Bishop Tony expressed his deep concern about the drug scenario in Kerala, especially in school-related issues. He said, “No matter how addiction comes to us, we must think and decide not to. People who are ready to lose in life go after addiction. People who run away from challenges in life use drugs.” Bishop also exhorted the audience “to try to live with dignity and not go to the world of drugs”.

Fr. (Dr.) Paul Moonjely, Executive Director, Caritas India in his introductory message illustrated the positive changes brought by children in the society by sharing the good stories of Ashakiranam Lavender Army school volunteers and stated that “Children are good teachers, and the required changes can be brought in right time only through these children”. He emphasized the crucial role of children and students in preventing drug abuse within society. He also quoted “The best prayer is to make a vow not to make mistakes in life” while he was interacting with the school students. He urged children to become ambassadors of change by actively participating in Sajeevam anti-drug abuse campaigns.

Asst. Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Mr. Rajan V.K informed children, “Once you enter into the world of drugs, you cannot go back to your old good day, so you have to be careful and efficient during your schooling time.” Mr. Rajan recounted real-life examples to showcase the destructive influence of drugs and the importance of maintaining good relationships and focusing on education.

A Sajeevam theme song and web series highlighting the ill effects of drugs were officially released by Mr. Anil Kumar K.K, Director, State Excise Academy & Research centre, Thrissur and handed over the copy to Fr. Paul Moonjely. “Do not follow or imitate wrong models, purposefulness should be the important factor to lead life forward,” expressed Mr. Anil Kumar in his special message delivery to the school students. He also insisted to continue the journey of reading and education.

The winners of the poster, collage-making, quiz, and debate competitions were felicitated with prizes and accolades. This recognition aimed to celebrate the creative efforts of participants and encouraged them to continue spreading awareness through their artistic talents. Sajeevam’s Anti-drug pledge was taken by Fr. Biju Nandhikkara, Administrator, St. Joseoh’s EM School Campus. The programme was officially concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. John Paul Chemmannur, Principal, St. Joseph’s Model HSS, Kuriachirs.

On the occasion of World Drug Day, Sajeevam the Anti-drug campaign of Caritas India has organized state-wide programs with the support of all the 32 DSSS partners. A sum of 1,167 programs were organized on the on 25th as Sajeevam Sunday and 26th in Kerala and reached out to more than 4,02,084 people. The programs include awareness sessions by police, excise department, rally, street play, signature campaigns, human chains, pledge taking, task force enrolment, schools, college-related events etc. These events aim to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote a drug-free society. The police and excise department extended support to conduct awareness sessions to educate the public about the consequences of drug addiction. Additionally, special observations such as Sajeevam Sunday took place in the parishes of the Dioceses in collaboration with the Catechism department and youth wing. Kerala Catholic Bishops have sent a special letter to the parishes, encouraging them to organize innovative and invoking events to observe Sajeevam Sunday and spread the message of a drug-free society.

The observance of Anti-drug Day under the Sajeevam campaign was a resounding success. The events witnessed the participation of influential personalities from various fields, allowing for the dissemination of vital information and the recognition of efforts made by community people, volunteers students, and children in drug prevention. Through this cohesive effort, the campaign aims to create a drug-free society, focusing on education, character-building, and fostering healthy relationships.