An Awareness Programme on" INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE & ILLICIT TRAFFICKING " was held on Tuesday 26th June 2012 at St.Jerome's Parish Hall, Mapusa, Goa. It was Presided over by Dr.Rajesh Dhume, Sr.Psychiatrist, Directorate of Health Services, North Goa and DR. Jayadev Sarangi IAS, Excise Commissioner of Goa, the Guest of Honour.
Despite incessant rains there were around 80 Guest, Families, Ex-Kripa Patients, AA/NA Members.which also included The Haroon Family Memebrs, Mr. Humza, Dr.Saramento Gomes.
Dr.Anand Chaudhuri introduced the Guest of Honors and explained to the audience the importance of this marker day. Dr.Sarangi in his addresss to the audience said though he was a Civil Servant as a Professional, He was married to a Cause of this nature, especially the Prison Reform System which he imitated at Tihar Jail and has now progressed. He mentioned this could only be done after sensitizing the Law enforcement agencies, the Judiciary & other Govt. Depts about the gravity with which Drug & Alcohol Addiction could be managed. This Model was was replicated by him in other South East Asian Countries through UNODC when he was on deputation."
" Dr.Rajesh Dhume, spoke of the long partnership between the Directorate of Health Services of Goa & Kripa Foundation in the Treatment & Rehabilitative Services and said it was not enough to combat this menace. Members of the Civil Society, Law Enforcement Agencies, Recovering Addicts too need to join hands, if Goa is to be made Drug Free State through awareness, outreach & educative Programmes,
The awareness also include testimonies by our Ex-Patients & a co-dependents. There was a Power Point Presentation on the Kripa Activities & Documentary of 'God Grace'. Entertainment by ex-Patients with Magic Show, Songs etc raised the exuberance of the festive-like occasion.
Simultaneously on the same day a drawing competition was held at Kripa anjuna for students from various schools. Certificates of participation an prizes to the winners were distributed.
Submitted byPaul Noronha
Kripa Goa
