Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Puttur, June 26 : St Philomena College, St Philomena PU College, St Philomena Aided Highschool, 3/19 KAR BN NCC , 91/19 KAR BN NCC , 5 KAR NAVAL NCC , 41 /A 5 KAR NAVAL NCC , 44/6 KAR AIR SQN NCC and Anti - Drugs Vigilance Committee of the College jointly organised a program in view ofInternational Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. In connection with the same, an Awareness Rally was conducted in Puttur city on June 26, 2023. Mr Srikanth Rathod Sub Inspector, Puttur Town police station participated as the resource person on the occasion of a short formal programme. After administering Oath he said, “Of all the social evils already existing in this society, the more intense problem is drug abuse by the youth. It is consumed as they are influenced by fashion, the internet and friends. To create awareness, it is important to target schools and colleges. The steps taken by St Philomena college is appreciable”. Further he said if anyone is found using drugs it is the responsibility of every individual to inform the elders, teachers or to the police station. The miscreants will be prosecuted and will undergo severe legal action for the criminal act. Drug abuse destroys the self, family and community. Therefore, everyone needs to have love for life and society.”

Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro Principal of the college, in his presidential address said, “Youth is the power of any nation. But the tragic part is that the youth is falling prey to this kind of drug abuse and are welcoming various kinds of diseases. This mars the economy and development of the country. Moreover, it has a negative impact on the overall health of the people and the society as a whole. The tiny effort initiated by the cadets of NCC is worth admiration.”

Rev. Fr Ashok Rayan Crasta, Principal of St Philomena College and Rev. Fr Maxim D’Souza, Headmaster St Philomena Highschool, Hawaldar Thangavelu, and Hawaldar Suresh Kumar were gracefully present during the programme.

Lieutenant Johnson David Sequeira, NCC Naval Wing officer of the college Thejaswi Bhat, St Philomena Highschool NCC Officers Mr Naresh Lobo, Mr Clement Pinto and Mr Roshan Sequeira extended necessary guidance to the Cadets. The Awareness Rally started from SJM Hall of the College and enrouted through Darbe Circle and concluded at the main entrance gate of St Philomena College.

Paul Herald Mascarenhas, convener of Anti - Drugs Vigilance Committee of the College compered the program.