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Kasargod, Oct 3: On the birthday of Mahatma Gandhiji, Snehalaya Chartitable Trust, Bachalike, Pavoor, Manjeshwar, declared open the new de-addiction center for the general public.

In a significant step towards combating addiction and promoting rehabilitation of victims of addiction, the Snehalaya De-addiction Center was formally inaugurated on October 2 in a grand manner attended by esteemed dignitaries, donors and social and community leaders.

Renowned philanthropist and businessman, Michael D’Souza, inaugurated the center, by cutting the ribbon and by lighting of the lamp.

Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, led the prayer service and blessed the new building. The auxiliary bishop of Delhi, Dr Deepak Valerian Tauro, was present in the blessing ceremony.

The presence of U T Khader, Speaker of Karnataka, A K M Ashraf, MLA, Manjeshwar, and Vijayalaxmi Shibaroor, prominent journalist and venerable Athmadasyammi, an omnist monk enhanced the glow of the event.

Other notable guests included N Ali Abdulla, OCB chairman, Sinukumar, member secretary, OCB, Kerala, and several other distinguished guests.

The Snehalaya De-addiction Center built with an approximate cost of Rs 7.5 crore aims to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to individuals struggling with addiction, offering a supportive environment for curative support system, counselling and reintegration into society.

Speaking on the occasion, Michael D’Souza emphasized at his inaugural speech, the need for collective efforts to address the growing issue of addiction and praised the initiative. He also expressed a deep note of the committed service of Snehalaya.

U T Khader, speaker of Karnataka Assembly expressed his appreciation for the center’s growth as he has seen the institute grow from day one. A special mention on Manna initiative was well appreciated by the speaker.

Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha in his message said, “May this institution be a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction, guiding them towards a path of recovery and redemption. However, the word addicts could be avoided as they are victims of situations .”

Vijayalaxmi Shibaroor, a noted journalist gave a timely message that we should rather close down de addiction centers rather than opening them. Then we know the society has bettered. The Government, system is promoting alchohol and substances for their revenue and we struggle to bring in the change.

The keynote speaker, venerable Athmadas Yammi an omnist monk recited invocation of three predominant religions and gave a strong message of humanity as one of the everlasting religion and the real Sense of holiness is at such institutions like Snehalaya.

As a gesture of gratitude and honour all the guests were felicitated and all the donors were recognised.

AKM Ashraf, MLA, Manjeshwar applauded the service being rendered by Snehalaya and said he is extremely happy to be a part of this institution.

Walter Nandalike, of Daijiworld media in his speech said there are two types of people. One who have all riches for themselves (bogy) and others have for the welfare of others (Yogy). Snehalaya has a dedicated team and works for humane cause, he said expressing his happiness over the meticulous planning and organising effectively a grand event of this scale.

Geo D Silva compare the inaugural function , while Rafiq master and Prof Nelson Monis compered the formal function in most pleasing style.

The second edition of ‘Snehagange’ written by Ravi Naikapu on the life of the founder of Snehalaya was released by the Bishop Dr Deepak V Tauro on this occasion.

The launch of Snehalaya website also was inaugurated by the Bishop Dr Deepak V Tauro at this occasion.

The founder president Joseph Crasta, welcomed the dignitaries and the secretary Olivia Crasta proposed vote of thanks. Blue Angel invoked God’s blessings and sang the national anthem at the end. More than 100 volunteers catered their free service. A well organised event was witnessed by more than 2000 people joyously. Lunch was served to all guests.