CM asks kids to tackle drug menace on campuses
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The drug mafia which lures unsuspecting children poses a threat not only to the latter’s future but also vitiates the peace of the kids’ families and the future of the country.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had this to say on Tuesday during the state-level Children’s Day celebrations, before urging students, teachers and parents to jointly tackle the growing drug menace on campuses. He narrated to students the plight of a father who was forced to kill his son before committing suicide.
“The father was pained to see his son get heavily addicted to drugs and indulge in inhuman deeds,” said Pinarayi, who also asked parents to spend more time with their children.
“Parents are increasingly immersing themselves in TV serials and mobile phones instead of interacting with their children. This will only isolate the children and create more problems for them in future,” said Pinarayi.
He also lamented how problems faced by children, like dropping out of schools and being forced into child labour, were as much prevalent today as they were decades ago. “It is sad we are unable to tackle the problems even so many years after Independence,” he said.
Child leaders take centre stage
The Children’s Day celebrations began over an hour behind schedule due to the late arrival of the Chief Minister. Children from various schools who were participating in the rally had assembled at the SMV Higher Secondary School since 1 pm.
The programme began with the children’s President, Prime Minister and Speaker entering the venue in an open jeep, waving to the audience. Pinarayi and other dignitaries welcomed the young leaders to the dais with red roses. Adwaidh P R of Christ Nagar Central School, the children’s President, inaugurated the meeting and urged the students to take a pledge for the all-round development of children. Pinarayi also released the Children’s Day stamp designed by Athul S Raj of Mar Dionysius Seminary HSS, Kottayam.