With the intention of spreading awareness among migrant workers about the harmful effects of substance usage, a football tournament was organised on 8 January 2023, at Bethany St. John’s Higher Secondary School, Kunnamkulam, by the Thrissur Excise and Labour Departments in collaboration with KISMAT, a programme of BREADS. The tournament was conducted as part of the VIMUKTHI mission of the Government of Kerala.
During the programme, the KISMAT District Coordinator made the audience aware of the adverse effects of using drugs and other substances. Dignitaries—Mr. Sajeesh Kumar (Excise Inspector, Thrissur), Mr. Biju C Baby (Kunnamkulam Ward Councillor), Fr. Pathrose (Principal, Bethany St. Johns Higher Secondary School) and Mr. Rafeeque (Assistant Labour Officer, Thrissur)—contributed to the programme with their inspiring presence and words.
Six teams participated in the tournament, with Unni’s Cottage FC from Choondal emerging the winner, and Star Viswas Club, the runners-up of the tournament. Mrs. Seetha Raveendran (Kunnamkulam Municipal Chairperson) presented trophies to the winning teams. All the audience and the football teams present at the event, numbering more than 100 guest workers, took a pledge to not use or promote substances/ drugs and to oppose the use of such substances in their lives.
