CASK 
The Awareness Program was held at St Agnes College, Mangaluru, on December 10, 2025
For more than a century, the Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) established in 1914 has stood as a beacon of community welfare, education, and youth empowerment.
Through its dedicated training and outreach brand, CASK IgniteU, the organisation continues to inspire, educate young minds, and transform society with impactful programmes addressing pressing social issues.
On December 10, 2025, CASK organised a powerful drug awareness programme titled “Awaken the Mind – Choose a Drug-Free Life” at St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, in collaboration with the College’s Anti-Drug Cell. Held at the Mother Aloysia Centenary Auditorium, the programme brought together an enthusiastic audience of more than 800 first-year undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with faculty members.
The event featured two distinguished speakers whose powerful messages left a deep impact on the young audience:
• Dr Ruksana Hassan , renowned child psychologist, trainer, and life coach, delivered an engaging and heartfelt session on the importance of saying “No” to drugs. Drawing from real-life experiences, she highlighted the emotional and psychological toll substance abuse takes on families, emphasising the responsibility young people hold in safeguarding their future and their loved ones.
• Mrs Geetha Kulkarni, Assistant Commissioner of Police, addressed the alarming rise in drug addiction cases over the last five years. With compelling statistics and clarity, she explained the recent legal changes in the IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act, making students aware of the serious consequences of involvement in drug-related activities . Her session served as a wake-up call and reinforced the importance of informed choices.
The programme began with a warm welcome by Rev Sr Dr Venissa, Principal of St Agnes College. Ronald Gomes, President of CASK, inaugurated the event, followed by an introduction of the resource persons by Ronald Mendonca, Treasurer. The programme was meticulously coordinated by Mrs Marjorie Texeira, Vice President, and attended by Peter Anthony Pinto, Secretary of CASK. The event was confidently compered by Agnes Prince, a student of the college.
The active participation and heartfelt response from the students made this “CASK IgniteU initiative” a resounding success. The session not only raised awareness but also ignited a sense of responsibility and commitment among young minds to choose a healthy, purposeful, and drug-free life. Through such impactful engagements, CASK continues to uphold its mission of uplifting minds and transforming communities.
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