The De-addiction Department of Tiruchy Province organized a cultural fest coupled with competitions for students on 06 July 2019, to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking. This event was held at Don Bosco Mat. Hr. Sec. School Thanjavur. One hundred and seventy nine students from fourteen different schools participated in this event. They competed in elocution, painting, quiz, skit, singing and Rangoli on the theme of ” Say No to Drugs”. This enthused the children to give vent to their creative skills and talents. Dr. Sahayaraj from NIMHANS (National Institute for Mental Health and Neuro Sciences) addressed the children on the evils of drug abuse and how they can fight against this deadly threat to the lives of the young today. Dr. A. Jesudoss, Dean SRM Medical College, Trichy presided over the function. Sr. Magnificat FMA, a former Provincial, inaugurated the competitions and Fr. Antony Joseph SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Tiruchy distributed prizes for the winners. Beside the award winners, all the students received certificates and souvenirs for their very participation. Fr. Thomas Louis the Rector and Fr. Sahayaraj the Principal of Don Bosco Thanjavur were guests of honour. Mr. Jesuraj, the National Secretary of the Salesian Cooperator of Tiruchy Province proposed the vote of thanks. Fr. John Dharman, Director of the De-addiction Department coordinated this event with the help of his team headed by Mr. Ravinder. Salesian Cooperators of Thanjavur were a major partner to this event and they were coordinated by Mr. Jesuraj, their South Asian Secretary. Children turned off the day with an oath, ‘Say No to Drugs.’
Province of Annai Velankanni (INT)