On the occasion of United Nations International Youth Day, a Drug Awareness Walkathon was organized on 12th August 2024 by We The People India and Mangalore City Police, in collaboration with Mangalore City Corporation, Yes We Can Organization, and King's College London. The event aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage youth to stay drug-free. The program was overseen by Mr. Sahil A K, General Secretary, We The People.
The walkathon was graced by the presence of several prominent figures, including Geeta Kulkarni, ACP of Mangalore; Ms. Evelyn Benis, Secretary, Institute of Social Service; Mr. Sandeep Ullal, Physical Director and Anti-drug Cell of Roshni Nilaya; Mr. Anees Rahman, Assistant Professor, Department of Criminology, Roshni Nilaya; and Mr. Siraj Guduru, Chairperson, Clean Oceans India.
Students from the UG Department of Criminology, School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya actively participated in the walkathon. The participants marched from the School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya to the Valencia Circle, and then gathered in front of Valencia Park, where a brief gathering was held.
Throughout the walkathon, the participants passionately hailed slogans like "Say No to Drugs" and "Say Yes to Cyber Safety," emphasizing not only the importance of staying drug-free but also the need to be vigilant and responsible in the digital world.
The event included addresses from ACP Geeta D Kulkarni, Ms. Evelyn Benis, Mr. Sahil A K, Mr. Anees Rahman, and Mr. Siraj Guduru, who emphasized the importance of youth involvement in combating drug abuse and creating a drug-free society. They highlighted the role of education and community participation in preventing substance abuse among young people.
Following the speeches, participants collectively signed a symbolic wall, pledging their commitment to staying drug-free and encouraging others to do the same.
The walkathon was not only a significant step towards raising awareness but also a powerful demonstration of the community's collective will to tackle the issue of drug abuse, particularly among the youth. A total of 85 student’s participated in the walkathon.