Puttur: St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur, observed the World Day Against Human Trafficking on Thursday with a programme jointly organised by the Anti Human Trafficking Club and the Department of English, emphasizing the need for awareness, value-based education and collective action to combat the global menace.
Presiding over the programme, Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Principal, said that every human being has the right to live with dignity and respect. Emphasising the role of education in shaping responsible citizens, he observed that value-based education is essential in nurturing socially conscious youth and that education devoid of human values is meaningless. Calling for united efforts to eradicate human trafficking from its roots, he urged society to remain vigilant and work collectively to eliminate the crime.
The resource person, Sreemani, Coordinator, PG Department of Social Work, delivered an informative session on the causes, consequences and preventive measures related to human trafficking. Explaining how women, children and other vulnerable sections of society become easy targets of trafficking networks, she illustrated the issue with real-life examples and stressed that awareness, education and community participation are the most effective weapons against the exploitation of human lives.
As part of the observance, Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro administered a pledge, reiterating the participants’ commitment to combating human trafficking and upholding human dignity.
Dr Bharathi S. Rai, Head of the Department of English and Member Secretary of the Anti-Human Trafficking Club at the college, and Dr Edwin D’Souza, IQAC Coordinator were present on the dais.
Vice-Principal Dr Vijayakumar Moleyar, Registrar(Academics) Dr Norbert Mascarenhas, faculty members and students participated in the programme.
The programme commenced with an invocation by Manasa and Aparna. Vindhyashree Rai welcomed, Sushma Wagle proposed the vote of thanks, and Aishath Jabeen compered the proceedings.