“Loving Hands” Anti-Alcoholism Campaign Inaugurated in Diocese of Niranam

The inauguration of “Loving Hands,” an anti-alcoholism campaign organized by the DORA Microfinance in the Diocese of Niranam, was held in the presence of Metropolitan Dr. K.P. Yohannan on 14th August, 2014. According to a recent survey in Kerala, about 85% of men and 20% of women are addicted to alcohol. Hence, the main purpose of this campaign is to make people aware about the bad effects of alcohol consumption.

Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa (Bishop, Marthoma Syrian Church- Adoor & Malaysia-Singapore-Australia Dioceses) inaugurated the program and Metropolitan Dr. K.P. Yohannan delivered the presidential address. In his speech, he emphasized the harmful effects of alcoholism and its influence on health, personal relationships, and social status.

Dr. Saji Chacko (President, District Panchayat, Pathanamthitta), Smt. Delsi Sam (Municipal chairperson), Adv. K. Ananda Gopan (Secretary, Communist Party of India) and some members from the Kerala Counsel of Churches were also took part in this program. They all appreciated the initiative taken by DORA Microfinance and the church to spread awareness in society.

‘Loving Hands’ is a two-week long program, in which street plays, video shows and awareness seminars will be conducted in different places of central Kerala in order to create awareness about the ill effects of alcohol.