International Day against drug abuse and Illicit trafficking

Sir,
I was happy to read that 26th June is being observed as International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit trafficking. There is an increase in alcohol and drug abuse these days, mainly among the youth. I was going through a bad phase of life, drowned in alcohol and loneliness. After my wedding, my wife too felt left out for having married an alcoholic husband, who used to have drinks every night and who used to not have any meals at all. The only solace for her was that I never was rude or violent with her, but had given her all the necessary requirements she needed. But I needed to change and after having gone through fits due to access alcohol or high blood pressure, and with life becoming miserable, I decided to change and go through the rehabilitation of my alcoholism.
I had heard of KRIPA Foundation, the largest Non Governmental Organization in India, affiliated with the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, working among people afflicted with chemical dependency & HIV Infection. Making a decision to attend this 90-day programme at Kripa Foundation situated at Mount Carmel Church, Bandra (West), where we were explained that alcoholism and Drug Addiction is a disease.
The programme began with the de-addiction of alcohol at Kripa Foundation at Vasai, followed by an intense programme at Bandra, which included Yoga, meditation, Therapy Duty Assignment (TDA) besides the various talks on the ill-effects and side effects of alcohol/drug addiction and how can we conquer this disease. Kripa Foundation is the wonderful gift for the chemically dependent. Thus alcoholics, drug addicts and others who are chemically dependent should participate in the 90-day residential programme of KRIPA Foundation.
KRIPA Foundation is founded by Rev. Fr. Joseph H. Pereira, who recently received the Padmashree award through the hands of the former President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Patil for his work for people who chemically dependent.
Cajetan Peter D’Souza,
Pantnagar, Ghatkopar, Mumbai

Road Safety- A challenge for all

Sir,
The high mortality and morbidity associated with road traffic injuries are a major public health challenge worldwide. Every year, road traffic crashes kill an estimated 1.2 million people. The figure for the injured is over 50 million. India has had the dubious distinction of high rates and a steady increase in road fatalities over the past three decades. The poor and the vulnerable (pedestrians and cyclists) bear the brunt.
The last decade saw many new national and State highways connecting different parts of the country. However, the designs of these highways did not take into account the local reality. Lack of fencing around and elevation of the highway allows animals to encroach upon the road, setting the stage for crashes. Flyovers and elevated roads dot many major Indian cities. However, these are essentially quick fixes. Most cities do not have long-term master plans for transport and traffic.
There is a basic lack of knowledge of road safety rules among users. Driving tests in India never examine the actual driving skills on regular roads. Periodic tests for the safety of older vehicles and drivers are non-existent. Vehicles with just one headlight on or those with misaligned high beams are a common sight.
Seat belts in cars and crash helmets for pedal and motorcycles are not used regularly, increasing the risk of serious and fatal injury.
There is a need for strict enforcement of rules. The motorists, on their part, should also follow rules as these have been designed for their own safety.
Kirti Subramaniam,
Chennai