Mangaluru: Lourdes Central School, on Saturday, October 28, organised an anti-drug and traffic safety awareness programme for classes seven and 12.

The programme began with a prayer song that filled the hall with a divine aura.

The programme was inaugurated symbolically by dignitaries by lighting the lamp.

Keynote speakers of the day Yogish Kumar, inspector of police, anti-corruption bureau, Mangaluru, Sudhir Hegde DySP, Uma Prashanth, deputy commissioner of police, crime branch, Mangaluru, Manjunath, inspector of police, traffic north Surathkal, Uday Nayak, assistant commissioner of police, Maruthi Nayak, inspector of police, Kadri Police Station graced the occasion.

Head boy Abner Pinto of class 12 welcomed the gathering. Sudhir Hegde was introduced by Ivan Mascarenas and was felicitated by the manager of LCS Fr Wilson Vitus D’Souza and principal of LCS Fr Robert D’Souza.

Sudhir Hegde DySP addressed the students by urging them to become IAS or IPS officers to bring about a change in the society.

Yogesh Kumar spoke about drug-addiction in schools and colleges and explained about the different types of drugs, reasons and legal measures undertaken to control drug menace. He further advised the students to abstain from drugs and gave the slogan ‘say no to drugs’. Uma Prashanth spoke about the importance of police personnel in the society.

Manjunath, the inspector of police, traffic, Surathkal in his inspiring talk, briefed the students about the importance of following traffic rules, using a helmet, the importance of seatbelt, driver's licence and other essentials for traffic safety.

Before concluding the session, principal Fr Robert D’Souza honoured the guests with mementoes.

The programme was compeared by Navya Bhandary of class ten. Nidhi M proposed the vote of thanks.