SakalTimes
28 June 2010
Pune, India

“Love life, not drugs,” was social activist Dr Anil Awachat’s message to schoolgoing children. He was speaking after inaugurating an anti–drugs campaign organised by Pune Police commemorating World Anti–Drugs Day on Saturday.

“It’s surprising that ignoring the many wonderful things in the life, youths love a sachet of gutkha. Nothing is more painful than to see the youths dying of addiction,” he asserted. The director of Muktangan de–addiction centre, Awachat appealed for saying ’No’ to narcotics, when it comes before you in attractive form.

The programme began with a short play by a group of youngsters, based on how youths are getting attracted towards various kinds of addictions and how it can be conquered by willpower, positive thinking and support from society.

Chairman of Sakal Papers Prataprao Pawar appreciated Muktangan’ work and congratulated city police for organising awareness programme highlighting the problem of drug–addiction, particularly among the youth. “Society should help such organisations and police in this task. ’Sakal’ will always support such constructive cause,” he said.

Volunteers of Muktangan Neeraj and Indrajit, interacted with the audience sharing their personal experiences. “I wasted seven years of my life on all kinds of addictions right from alcohol, charas, ganja to sleeping pills. I was 19, when I joined Muktangan. At this point of time I can surely say that the individual himself/ herself is responsible for his/ her addiction. And if he/ she wishes, can get rid of it,” Neeraj stressed.

Commissioner of Police Dr Satya Pal Singh also highlighted the ill effects of drug–addictions and need of drug prohibition.

Actor Mrinal Kulkarni, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Rajendra Sonawane, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Cell) Rajendra Dahale and Assistant Commissioner of Police Pushpa Deshmukh were present along with students from various schools.