Lighting the lamp of love against substance abuse

Thiruvananthapuram: Spreading the light of love in a society overshadowed by the darkness of substance abuse, the differently-abled children and mothers at the Different Art Centre took a stand. As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, the Different Art Centre and Charisma jointly organized the "Snehalahari" event, where participants lit lamps to send a strong message to society. The program emphasized that the fight against substance abuse should begin at home and that women's empowerment is crucial in this battle.

Nirmala T. Manikandan, Regional President of the Air Force Families Welfare Association, inaugurated the event. She stated that the use of intoxicating substances has always threatened society, but the dangers have become more evident recently. She emphasized that if people from all walks of life unite against this menace, it can be effectively curbed. She also reiterated that women’s empowerment is essential in the fight against substance abuse.

The event was presided over by Shyla Thomas, writer and director of DAC. The Chief Guest of the program was Jayadali M.V, Chairperson of the Kerala State Disability Development Corporation. Other prominent attendees included Thara Unnikrishnan, Executive Member of the Air Force Families Welfare Association, Gopinath Muthukad, Executive Director, DAC, Dr. Marykutty A.M, clinical linguist and Seema Murali, President of Charisma.

As part of the event, certificates were distributed to the differently-abled individuals who participated in the anti-drug painting event. Following this, the differently-abled participants and their mothers staged various artistic performances advocating against substance abuse.