Operation Salsamukk

Background

Operation Salsamukk is a proactive and creative community-led initiative by the Kozhikode District Administration under District Collector A. Geetha IAS, in collaboration with Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhiyan and other government departments, to combat drug abuse through art and awareness campaigns.

Operation Salsamukk is a proactive and creative community-led initiative focused on drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation, launched on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26, 2023). Its core concept involves a two-pronged approach: first, the identification of vulnerable areas within the community known or suspected to be hotspots for drug-related activities; and second, the active transformation of these spaces through art and positive engagement. This strategy aims to reclaim physical environments, promote healthy alternatives, raise awareness against drug abuse, and build community ownership. An example of this approach was the transformation of a 40-meter wall outside Govt. Model School, Mananchira, into a canvas for anti-drug messages, alongside a 'Tree of Hope' for personal pledges. This was carried out with the help of college students, with each college being assigned a specific area to communicate the anti-drug message. The best college was awarded for their creative efforts. Interns from the District Collector's Internship Program (DCIP) were instrumental in conceptualizing, planning, and executing these elements, including message preparation, stage arrangements for open mic events, and face painting, promoting the #ShareLoveNotDrugs message. The initiative essentially turns spaces of despair into vibrant hubs of creativity and well-being, directly countering the influence of drugs through the power of art.

Strategic Area Identification & Art-Based Transformation:Focuses on identifying vulnerable community areas prone to drug-related activities and actively transforming them through vibrant art (murals, installations, performances), making the spaces less conducive to illicit activities while fostering positive community engagement.
Promotion of Healthy Alternatives & Positive Messaging: Art and cultural activities provide creative outlets and healthy engagement opportunities, especially for youth, steering them away from drug use. The artwork serves as a powerful medium for promoting health, well-being, and positive social norms, alongside generating visibility for the community’s resistance against drugs.
Community Ownership & Engagement: Actively engages local artists, residents, and youth in the creation of art, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for maintaining drug-free environments and transforming spaces into symbols of positive change.
Collaborative Effort for a Unified Approach: Involves multiple stakeholders, including Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhiyan, the District Administration, and other government departments, working together in a unified effort to combat drug abuse and build a safer, healthier community.
Intern-Led Execution & Launch Event: DCIP interns played a pivotal role in conceptualizing, planning, and executing various campaign elements, such as message preparation, open mic events, and face painting. The initiative was launched on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, featuring symbolic activities like the 40-meter wall mural and the ‘Tree of Hope’, marking a significant milestone in community-driven drug prevention.

Innovative Strategic Approach: Successfully implemented a unique, proactive drug prevention strategy by identifying vulnerable areas and transforming them through art and positive community engagement, making a visible statement against drug abuse.
Art-Based Awareness & Positive Messaging: Utilized large-scale art as a powerful medium for raising awareness about drug abuse, effectively promoting the #ShareLoveNotDrugs message and offering an alternative narrative to addiction.
Strong Community Mobilization & Ownership: Engaged the local community in a symbolic act of commitment to a drug-free life, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and mobilizing residents to actively participate in creating a drug-free environment.
Effective Intern Leadership & Execution: DCIP interns demonstrated exceptional leadership, playing a key role in the conceptualization, planning, and execution of the campaign’s initial phase, including organizing events and activities.
Contribution to Broader Anti-Drug Efforts: Made a significant contribution to the district’s broader anti-drug efforts and public health initiatives, establishing a replicable methodology for community-driven interventions in drug prevention.

District Collector's Internship Programme

Operation Salsamukk

Background

Operation Salsamukk is a proactive and creative community-led initiative by the Kozhikode District Administration under District Collector A. Geetha IAS, in collaboration with Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhiyan and other government departments, to combat drug abuse through art and awareness campaigns.

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