THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Theirs is a tireless mission against drug and alcohol abuse. Led by excise inspector P L Shibu, the excise department has been staging dramas in schools and college as part of Vimukthi, a state-level campaign launched for creating awareness against alcohol. The unique drama titled ‘Padi Vare Kaakkarude’, has eleven actors from the department, actively participating in the events.
P L Shibu says they expect no accolades and consider it solely as a social cause. “The musical drama spans over 35 minutes and has three songs. The drama shows how students from good family backgrounds, especially those staying in hostels, fall prey to the menace eventually making it a habit due to peer pressure.” The impromptu play, invites the audience, especially students, to take an oath against alcohol and drug abuse, towards the end of the play.
The troupe has visited around 20 educational institutions in the city. However, their efforts are not limited to schools and colleges, but also residential colonies and associations.
Shiji Neduveli, another excise official who is part of the campaign, said that poster and essay competitions are also held for students.
Though the state-level campaign was launched in November, the drama was officially launched only in April during the Salabhamela. Shiji says the aim of the skit is not only to create an awareness among children, but also parents. Family members, especially those using alcohol, turn a blind eye to their children’s habits thinking ‘a little’ won’t do any harm’. But this will become deadly later, he warns. The group had recently visited Neduveli Government Higher Secondary School as part of the campaign. The occasion had students holding pamphlets and slogans on the school premises.