Keralam Minister calls on students to join fight against drug abuse

General Education Minister N. Samsudheen giving away the prize to the winner of the children’s parliament competition organised by VISWAS at Collectorate conference hall, Palakkad, on Monday evening. | Photo Credit: K.K. Mustafah

General Education Minister N. Samsudheen has called on students to join the fight against drug abuse, warning that the menace threatens not only individual lives but also the growth of society and its cultural values.

He was speaking after inaugurating the concluding ceremony of a district-level children’s parliament competition organised by Victims Information, Sensitisation, Welfare and Assistance Society (VISWAS) and State Bank of India as part of the State government’s anti-drug campaign, Operation Toofan, here on Monday.

The competition brought together higher secondary students from schools across Palakkad district, providing them a platform to express their views and engage with issues concerning society.

Winners

K.C. Shreya from Sree Narayana Public School, Kollengode, won the first prize. Faiha Parveen from Government Higher Secondary School, Peringottukurissi, secured the second prize. G. Fidal from Kannadi Higher Secondary School, Kannadi, came third.

Five students received consolation prizes. They were Basil Shibu from C.A. Higher Secondary School, Ayakkad; I. Mohammed Isham from Government Higher Secondary School, Muthalamada; K. Chandana from Big Bazaar Government Higher Secondary School, Palakkad; J. Fathima Sana from Muslim Vocational Higher Secondary School, Pudunagaram; and K. Thushara Baburaj from Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Pallavur.

The Minister distributed prizes and certificates to the winners. Former district judge T. Indira, former Dy.SP V.S. Mohammed Kasim and Child Welfare Committee member Deepa Jayaprakash were the judges.

VISWAS vice-president B. Jayaraj presided over the function held at the Collectorate conference hall. VISWAS India secretary-general P. Premnath, excise assistant commissioner Sajeevan, assistant educational officer P.P. Ramesh, SBI chief manager Krishnanunni, sub-inspectors of police U. Manoj and Sreedharan, VISWAS legal forum convener K. Vijaya, vice-president N. Rakhi and secretary M. Devadasan spoke.

Published - November 10, 2026 06:44 pm IST