Maro Lokam: Novel way of Rachakonda police to wean youth away from drugs

L B Nagar: The Rachakonda Traffic Police have made a short film, ‘Maro Lokam’ with the aim of creating awareness among youth in educational institutions to wean them away/alert them from drugs. Devised by Ramanuja Shashank, it seeks to drive home the point that youngsters should not drive under the influence of drugs/liquor and that their use is harmful.

The film explains that initially drugs and other intoxicants are taken for fun/enjoyment/kick and soon the user becomes an addict to the vice. He or she becomes a victim of depression ruining life. The police also seek to inform the youth that use/possession of intoxicants is an offence.

Under the stewardship of Rachakonda Police commissioner Mahesh Bhagwath, the traffic wing is screening ‘Maro  Lokam’ in educational institutions located on the City’s outskirts. The first show was organised on February 18, along with messages and talks by officials. So far the film has been shown in 10 colleges located in L B Nagar, Ring Road and other areas. Besides, the police are creating awareness among auto drivers by screening the film in the traffic education van.

Traffic  DCP Ramesh Naidu told The Hans India that youngsters are falling victims to various temptations of modern living and getting addicted to vices, initially for securing short-term pleasure but unfortunately getting habituated  to the use of drugs and other intoxicants. 

He pointed out that the addicts cause untold hardship to their parents. While conceding that elders are indeed making efforts to lure youth away from drugs, he admits that they are not yielding the desired results. Hence the efforts by the Traffic police to do their bit for the welfare of society. Naidu calls for identification of such addicts and holding of counseling for reforming them. 

Additional DCP (Traffic) Divyacharan Rao says elders, besides parents, teachers and family members should take precautions to wean away youngsters from falling a victim to the use of drugs/intoxicants. ‘They should focus attention on the movements of youth and with whom they are spending much of their time’. 

By: Bathini Shettaiah Goud