PANJIM: Amidst growing concerns about Goa’s image being tarnished by social media influencers and rising crime rate, the Goa zone of Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) has demanded government efforts in rebranding Goa as a drug-free State.
To highlight its concerns about the growing menace of addiction especially amongst youth and easy availability of drugs amongst students, the SIO organised a 10-day campaign on the theme ‘De-Addicting Goa 2.0’ from December 10 to 20.
Addressing the students who had gathered in the Panjim to participate in the concluding function and a rally across the capital city, SIO Goa president, Usman Khan stated that only the youth can change the future course of Goa. He said, “Students should pledge to eradicate this Drug Menace from the Goan Educational institutions and Goan Society at large.”
After consultations and deliberations on Drug Addiction, SIO Goa zone has put a number of demands in the public forum including identification and closure of Drug hotspots across Goa; police van patrolling around the schools during break time as well as when the students leave the school in the afternoon. The organisation has asked the civil society and other like-minded organisations should come together to form support groups which can serve the addicts and help them in the rehabilitation process.
The campaign showcased a plethora of activities aimed at eradicating and uprooting drugs from Goan educational institutions and society at large. Campus lectures across schools and colleges, more than 20 Mime acts across 7 towns and cities, rallies across the State participated by more than 10,000 students, PR meets with Police officials, Health Officials, NGOs, Social activists, door to door meets and corner meets with families, sensitising the masses about the Ill effects of drug addiction.
The campaign concluded with a State-level drawing competition in which more than 60 students qualified and participated at Panjim.
