ICYM Moodbidri unit in collaboration with ICYM Mangalore Diocese and ICYM Moodbidri Deanery organizes Drug awareness walkathon

The ICYM Moodbidri Unit, in collaboration with ICYM Moodbidri Deanery and ICYM Mangalore Diocese, organized a successful walkathon to raise awareness about drug abuse on 29th September, 2024. The event began at 3:00 PM from the Vidyagiri bus stand, with Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohit Cardoza, Director of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, and V. Rev. Fr. Onil D’Souza, Director of ICYM Moodbidri Deanery and ICYM Moodbidri Unit, presiding over the flag-off ceremony. Approximately 200 youth members from various ICYM units and Corpus Christi Church participated, along with the ICYM Central Committee members.

The walkathon commenced after a motivating welcome speech from Mr. Winston Sequeira, ICYM Central Council President, who shared the motive and aim of the event. Thereafter, the procession was led by the main banner, followed by the flags of ICYM Moodbidri Unit, ICYM Moodbidri Deanery, and ICYM Mangalore Diocese. The participants carried placards with powerful messages on drug awareness, accompanied by essential support vehicles including a water supply vehicle, extra vehicles, and an ambulance.

The walkathon culminated at Moodbidri bus stand, where ICYM Moodbidri Unit, in collaboration with ICYM Moodbidri Deanery, presented a street play emphasizing the dangers of drug abuse. Mr. Winston Sequeira led the crowd with slogans promoting drug-free living, followed by a powerful address by the resource person, Moodbidri Station Circle Inspector Sandesh P.G. His speech highlighted the alarming statistic that 28% of youth in Dakshina Kannada district are involved in drug and substance abuse. He also outlined the measures the police department is taking to combat this issue.

The event concluded at Corpus Christi Church, where a short formal program took place. Emcee Miss Nishal D’Silva welcomed the guests on stage. The program featured addresses from the Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohit Cardoza, and the President of the program, V. Rev. Fr. Onil D’Souza. Other dignitaries included ICYM Central Council Mangalore Diocese president Mr. Winston Sequeira, ICYM Moodbidri Unit President Mr. Vian D’Souza, ICYM Moodbidri Deanery President Mr. Javin D’Souza, ICYM Moodbidri Unit Animators Mr. Kevin D’Souza and Mr. Royston Pinto and Golden Jubilee Convener Mr. Vincent Mascarenhas. Mr. Vian D’Souza welcomed the gathering, followed by inspiring speeches and a vote of thanks by Mr. Javin D’Souza.

The event concluded with a group photo of all participants holding the banner and placards, marking the success of the initiative.