Kottayam: A comprehensive anti drug awareness program aimed at strengthening grassroots campaigns against substance abuse was organized under the leadership of the Kottayam Social Service Society (KSSS), the social service arm of the Archdiocese of Kottayam. The event, held at Thellakam Chaitanya, brought together village-level volunteers and social workers from across five districts to unite efforts in combating the growing menace of drug addiction in society.
The awareness session was inaugurated by Jose Joseph Ambalakulam, President of the Athirampuzha Grama Panchayat, who emphasized the importance of collective community action in protecting youth from the dangers of drug dependency. In his inaugural address, he highlighted that preventive education and early intervention remain the most powerful tools in building a drug-free generation.
Dr. Rosamma Soni, Kottayam District Panchayath Member, presided over the function and commended the Archdiocesan initiative for mobilizing volunteers from various districts to promote awareness at the grassroots level. She noted that the drug crisis is not confined to urban areas but has begun to infiltrate rural communities, making local-level vigilance and cooperation crucial.
Fr. Sunil Perumanoor, Executive Director of KSSS, addressed the gathering, stressing that the Church’s social mission extends beyond charity to active social transformation. He called upon volunteers to act as ambassadors of hope, guiding families and schools to recognize the early signs of addiction.
KSSS Coordinator Bessie Jose also spoke on the role of the Society’s network of volunteers in coordinating rehabilitation, awareness, and counselling initiatives across parishes and villages. The event underscored the Church’s sustained commitment to social responsibility through education, rehabilitation, and moral guidance.
The program saw the active participation of village-level volunteers from Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Ernakulam districts. The sessions provided them with updated information on the psychological, social, and health impacts of narcotic substances, as well as effective communication strategies to spread awareness in their respective localities.
The training session was led by Kumari Greeshma Joseph M., District Coordinator of Dream Kottayam a pioneering initiative aimed at eradicating drug abuse through education, counselling, and youth engagement. She conducted interactive modules highlighting the dangers of narcotic dependency and the importance of proactive community intervention.
The anti-drug awareness drive concluded with a renewed pledge among participants to extend the campaign to every household through coordinated village activities and educational outreach. Organizers emphasized that sustained efforts, especially among young people, parents, and educators, are essential to curb the rising tide of substance abuse.
The program reflected the collaborative spirit between civic bodies, church organizations, and local communities in addressing one of Kerala’s most pressing social challenges.