Dedicated service is needed for a success rate as that of Link De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre in helping out alcoholics, said Deputy Commissioner M Maheshwara Rao.

Speaking at the 16th anniversary celebrations of the centre here on Saturday, he said that people who have been leading a sober life for over 14 years are giving their feedback to the centre and are maintaining a familial relationship with it and this fact is proof enough for the dedication of the people who run it.

Elaborating on the effect of drugs, alcohols or any other addicting material on humans, he said that anything becomes an addiction beyond a point and appreciated the government’s decision in banning certain psychotropic drugs.

Controlling the cause of addiction is very important, he said and added that everyone has a right to de-addiction.
Seetharam Shetty, John D’Silva, Lenus Albuquerque, Herald Cutinho, Leo D’Souza and Victor Fernandes, who have been leading alcohol-free lives for more than 10 years were honoured by the DC on the occasion. They later shared their experiences with the audience.

Earlier, Anand Kunder presented the annual report for the year 2006-07. A survey report on tobacco use among drivers community in Dakshina Kannada district was released on the occasion by the Deputy Commissioner.

Link Director T S Thomas, Vice President of Link Anti-addiction citizens’ committee Dr Olinda Pereira, Parish Priest of Kankanady Fr Jose Valiaparambil, Social Activist Dr Vimala Lobo, and others were present on the occasion.