Kochi: In response to a statewide initiative launched by the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC), Catholic educational institutions across Kerala will observe World Anti-Drug Day on June 26 with a unified anti-drug pledge and awareness programs. The campaign aims to strengthen the collective resolve against substance abuse and safeguard the youth from falling into the grip of addiction.
All Catholic schools have been instructed to organize morning assemblies featuring informative sessions, student-led awareness campaigns, and the recitation of an anti-drug pledge. This movement is part of the Church’s broader mission to support society in combating the rising threat of narcotics, particularly among young people.
Fr. Thomas Tharayil, Deputy Secretary General of KCBC and Director of the Pastoral Orientation Centre (POC), emphasized that the Catholic Church in Kerala is fully committed to supporting efforts aimed at curbing drug dependency. “The Church will actively cooperate with every initiative that helps protect our future generation from the dark path of drug addiction,” he affirmed.
Recent developments have alarmed authorities and educators alike. Investigations reveal that drug distributors have adopted cunning tactics disguising narcotics in the form of candies, beverages, and other seemingly harmless items to lure school children. However, it's not just students who are at risk. Reports suggest that substance use is spreading more rapidly among young adults working in urban sectors especially in IT and hospitality industries than among students in classrooms.
As part of the observance, schools will also host short speeches, thematic performances, and awareness posters designed by students to spark dialogue and vigilance. The KCBC hopes that these collective actions will inspire children, parents, and educators to be more proactive in resisting and reporting drug-related dangers in their communities.
With addiction continuing to evolve in form and reach, the Kerala Catholic Church has reiterated its long-term commitment to preventive education, family counseling, and community engagement core strategies it believes are essential to countering this modern epidemic.