Wed Sep 17 14:20:17 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article based on that information:
**Summary:**
The text is a news report from *The Hindu*, published on September 17, 2025, detailing a large community march in Thrissur, Kerala, India, called “Walk Against Drugs.” The march, organized by Proud Kerala and led by Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, aimed to raise awareness and combat the increasing problem of drug abuse in the state. Speakers highlighted the link between drug abuse and rising violence, the failure of existing systems to protect families, and the need for community unity to break the cycle of drug use. The march culminated in participants taking an anti-drug pledge. This event marks the eighth edition of Mr. Chennithala’s Statewide walkathon campaign.
**News Article:**
**”Walk Against Drugs” Draws Hundreds in Thrissur, Highlights Growing Drug Crisis in Kerala**
**Thrissur, September 17, 2025** – Hundreds of concerned citizens gathered at Thekkiinkadu Maidan in Thrissur today to participate in “Walk Against Drugs,” a community march organized by Proud Kerala and led by senior Congress leader and MLA Ramesh Chennithala. The event served as a powerful demonstration against the escalating drug abuse crisis gripping the state.
The march, flagged off from Manikandanal by former MP K. Muraleedharan, brought together individuals from all walks of life, united by a shared concern for the well-being of their community. Muraleedharan likened drug abuse to a “cancer” devastating society and fueling an alarming rise in violent crimes. He criticized the government’s perceived inaction in curbing the spread of narcotics.
Mr. Chennithala emphasized the urgency of addressing the problem at its root, stating, “Existing systems are failing. Our homes are no longer safe.” He highlighted the disturbing trend of parents needing to search their children’s schoolbags for banned substances and the exploitation of youth as drug carriers. The march culminated at the Sree Vadakkumnathan temple, where participants took a solemn anti-drug pledge administered by Mr. Chennithala.
The Thrissur event marks the eighth edition of Mr. Chennithala’s Statewide anti-drug walkathon campaign, previously covering Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kasaragod, and Malappuram. Proud Kerala chairperson Malayinkeezhu Venugopal also addressed the gathering. The organizers hope this march will spur further action and foster a unified front against the growing drug menace in Kerala.
First Piper 