CH NEWS, CHITRADURGA
Schools must introduce lessons on the dangers of substance abuse from the primary level to protect children, stated Sharanappa Saladapura, Chairman of the Karnataka State Alcohol Temperance Board.
Presiding over an inter-departmental meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office hall on Wednesday, Saladapura called for urgent steps to build an addiction-free society. He revealed that a formal letter has already gone to the Education Department seeking the inclusion of moral education and anti-substance lessons in school textbooks. According to him, shaping values during early childhood is critical, as correcting harmful behaviors in adulthood is far harder.
Saladapura urged officials to show greater personal commitment to the cause. He noted that families carefully check a groom’s habits and character before marriage, and officers should apply that exact standard of care to public welfare. Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s vision, he emphasized that true freedom requires a healthy nation, yet nearly half of the country’s youth face threats from harmful addictions.
Highlighting positive community action, Saladapura shared that Koppal district successfully inspired Hatti village to give up alcohol entirely. The Board honored the village, prompting strong local support for prohibition. A similar large-scale public campaign will soon begin in Chitradurga district. He also urged the younger generation to embrace the noble ideals of social leaders like D.R. Patil and B.R. Patil.
Senior officers attended the session, including Sub-Divisional Officer Dr. K.J. Kantharaj, Zilla Panchayat Planning Director Jayalakshmamma, District Health Officer Dr. M.C. Sunil Kumar, Women and Child Development Deputy Director Vijay Kumar, School Education Deputy Director M.R. Manjunath, Board Secretary Roopa, Advisor M.S. Nandish, and District Information Officer M. Junjanna.
Religious leaders join battle against substance abuse
Religious pontiffs across Karnataka will soon lead a major campaign to combat alcohol and drug abuse, announced Sharanappa Saladapura, Chairman of the Karnataka State Alcohol Temperance Board, on Wednesday.
Addressing reporters at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Saladapura stated that seers wield immense social influence to guide citizens toward healthy living. A preparatory meeting will take place on September 23 at Sanehalli Sri Matha to finalize plans for a larger state-level conference. Drawing inspiration from Dharmasthala’s de-addiction movement, he emphasized that protecting future generations requires collective public action alongside official efforts to build an addiction-free society.
