In a remarkable display of community resolve, the Haveri district of Karnataka witnessed a transformative movement against addiction last month. Spearheaded by Sadashiva Swami, the pontiff of Haveri Hukkerimath, a month-long de-addiction campaign swept across 75 villages, inspiring hundreds to renounce harmful habits.
The Walk for a Cleaner Future
The initiative, named the 'Addiction-Free Villages Initiative', was conducted from November 6 to December 6. Each morning, Sadashiva Swami, accompanied by young seers, embarked on public awareness walks or 'padayatras' through villages and city wards. Braving the harsh winter chill, the group carried a symbolic bag, or 'jolige', inviting residents to make a tangible pledge.
The act was simple yet powerful. Villagers, including many youths and adults, were urged to give up their alcohol bottles, cigarette packs, and gutka packets by placing them directly into the Swami's bag. "If people drop alcohol bottles, cigarettes, or gutka packets, it means that they are giving them up," explained Sadashiva Swami. This physical act of surrender symbolized a firm commitment to break free from addiction.
A Community Heeds the Call
The campaign resonated deeply within the community. The pontiff expressed that his appeal yielded positive results, with many taking the pledge. He highlighted his concern for the youth, stating that addiction was ruining their futures. "Many young people are becoming slaves to various vices like alcohol, cigarettes, gutka, and other tobacco products. To eliminate these bad habits, we started a walk to build an addiction-free society as part of the Hukkerimath Fair," he said.
The initiative garnered widespread appreciation. Sri Mahanta Prabhu Swami of Shegunisi praised it as an "innovative programme" that created significant awareness. Devotee Shivabasappa Walishettar confirmed the campaign's impact, noting, "'Addiction-Free Villages Initiative' by Sadashiva Swami, along with other young seers, received a good response in the district. Many young stars have decaudated from their bad habits."
Beyond the Campaign: A Festival of Renewal
Sadashiva Swami connected this drive for personal purification with upcoming community celebrations. He advised that the Hukkerimath Fair Festival in Haveri, beginning in December, would be an ideal time for devotees to solidify their new, addiction-free lives.
The festival is set to include a host of events:
- The school's golden jubilee celebrations
- The Amrit Mahotsav of the Prasada Nilaya
- The silver jubilee of the student association
- A traditional cattle fair
- A Guru Vandana programme
The Swami urged everyone to participate in these events and use the occasion to completely eliminate their bad habits. The month-long campaign has not only sparked individual change but has also set a powerful precedent for community-led health and wellness movements in the region.
