To mark ‘International Women’s Day’, Cultural Academy for Peace (CAP) held a workshop at Lulu Mall, Kochi, focusing on the growing concern of substance abuse and its profound impact on women, children, and families. The event highlighted the crucial role of personal and social responsibility in preventing addiction and promoting strong family relationships as a safeguard against substance use. Beena Sebastian, Founder and Chairperson of CAP, inaugurated the session, emphasizing that combating addiction begins within families and communities through awareness, open dialogue, and emotional support. Anjali Menon, Counselor at CAP, spoke about the growing prevalence of substance abuse and its devastating effects, sharing real-life cases encountered through CAP’s fieldwork. Adv. Pinku Thaliath, a practicing lawyer at the High Court of Kerala and the Supreme Court of India, discussed the legal aspects of substance abuse, including available support systems and legal protection for affected individuals. The event drew to a powerful close with a mime performance by interns from Jai Bharath College of Arts and Science, Perumbavoor, bringing to life the social and emotional ripple effects of substance abuse while underscoring the vital role of community awareness
