PANAJI
Flash mobs at the KTC bus-stands in Panaji, Mapusa and Margao besides a couple of other locations including Calangute and Anjuna beaches, by students of Fr Agnel Multipurpose Higher Secondary School, Verna, kicked off the awareness drives to mark the 'International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking' observed on Monday.
The awareness drive was a collaborative effort of the Human Touch Foundation, the Goa Police, the Narcotics Control Bureau and Fr Agnel Multipurpose Higher Secondary School.
The thematic flash mob at the capital city's KTC bus-stand was launched in the presence of Peter F Borges, Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) and Vivek Pandey, the Intelligence Officer of NCB.
Through the flash mob, the students depicted the significance of drug demand reduction in Goa and also addressed the issue of stigma and discrimination faced by individuals struggling with drug addiction.
The flash mobs at all the locations attracted considerable attention from commuters and by-standers who were provided information on the pressing issue of substance abuse and the importance of supporting those addicted.
Innovative drug demand reduction program has emerged as a beacon of hope to inspire young minds to make informed choices and embrace a drug-free future, according to Sandhya Chawan, Lead, Adolescents Health and Wellbeing at the Human Touch Foundation.
Both Goa’s districts -- North Goa and South Goa -- feature among the vulnerable districts identified in a survey by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
"The most effective way of tackling the drug problem would involve a comprehensive, balanced and coordinated approach to address both supply control and demand," a statement released by the Foundation said.
The Foundation's "Yes to Life” campaign involves sustainable prevention programmes by engaging young people," it said, adding that the event was backed by Holiday Inn and Deccan Chemicals.
