Rotary plans to burn effigies of drug abuse on Dussehra, campaign kicks off at Ahmedgarh
In an attempt to discourage drug abuse among youth in the region, effigies of drugs would be set ablaze along with those of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran at more than 200 venues in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan the occasion of Dussehra.
Effigies, symbolising the demon of drugs, have been displayed at stages where Ramayana is being re-enacted. Ramlila organisers are spreading awareness about the causes and consequences of drug abuse by making occasional reference to the displayed effigies.
Chief Advisor Rotary District Amjad Ali said senior functionaries of the district had decided to launch a special campaign to spread awareness on the causes and consequences of drug menace by burning effigies of the evil on the occasion of Dussehra.
“We have advised office-bearers of all clubs falling under the Rotary district, consisting parts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, to coordinate with the local administration and Dussehra Committees for burning effigies of drug menace along with those of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran on the occasion of Dussehra,” said Amjad Ali.
He said the campaign was kicked off at Ahmedgarh where enthusiasts, led by president Venu Gopal Sharma and Secretary Ashok Verma, handed over an effigy for installation at a Ramlila stage ahead of Dussehra. DSP Rajan Sharma and Executive Magistrate Parveen Sharma chaired the inaugural and concluding sessions of the function held to launch the campaign.
Brainchild of senior functionaries of Rotary International District, led by District Governor Dr Sandeep Chauhan and PDG Ghanshyam Kansal, is believed to be the first of its kind as office-bearers of about 120 units of the Rotary have pledged to buttress the project which would be accomplished in coordination with the administration.
Appreciating the initiative taken by the organisers, Malerkotla SSP Gagan Ajit Singh said Circle Officers at Malerkotla, Amargarh and Ahmedgarh had been advised to associate with the project and extend every support for spreading awareness on the issue.
