Kozhikode: A giant canvas bearing paintings, pictures and messages that showcase the dangerous effects of drugs was unveiled at a grand event in Kozhikode. The district administration has turned to art to set up a strong defence against the drug menace in society. ‘The Camp Perambra’, a group for artists unveiled the giant canvas at the Freedom Square in the beach as part of the ‘Art Over Drugs’ program.

Artists like KC Rajeevan, Ranjith Pattanipara, Prajeesh Perambra, Baiju Cheruvannoor, Basheer Chithrakoodam, Nitheesh Thekkelath, Ramesh Kovummal, R Balakrishnan, Abhilash Thiruvoth and Rithuparna P Rajeev who are members of The Camp Perambra painted the canvas.

The anti-drug program was organised by the district social justice department in association with the district administration’s ‘Puthu Lahariyilekku Samagra Lahari Virudha Avabodha’ campaign and the central government’s Nashamukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Various cultural programs were presented at the event by the students of Providence Women’s College, Malabar Christian College, Zamorin Guruvayurappan College, IHRD College, Holy Cross College, Meenchantha Government Arts and Science College, Devagiri St. Joseph’s College, JTD Poly Technic College, KMCT Dental College and Vadakara Puthoor Government Higher Secondary School. The program was overseen by NSS Azad Sena and the district collector’s interns.

Meanwhile, various programs aimed at promoting anti-drug messages like shoot out, punch the cigarette, haiku contest, spot quiz, surveys and a selfie corner called ‘Share Love Not Drugs’ too was arranged as part of the event. ‘Art Over Drugs’ anti-drug program was inaugurated by district collector Snehil Kumar Singh.

District social justice officer Anju Mohan, NSS Azad Sena district coordinator Lijo Joseph, district information officer CP Abdul Kareem, DCIP coordinator Dr. Nijeesh Anand addressed the audience.