Department of Life Education, Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur Organized an Online Orientation for PG students on ‘The Joy of Addiction-free Life’

In view of the confinement of the masses in their homes due to the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19 virus, we find the phenomenon of addiction widely present. A great many of literature also supports the above claim. Studies also point to the fact that addiction is mainly prevalent among the young and it ranges from the obsessive use of social media to the inappropriate use of addictive substances. This results in the stunted growth of the body and mind of the individuals. To address these issues and spread awareness among the youth, the Department of Life Education, Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur organized an online orientation on 23^rd July 2021, 11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. for the PG students on the topic ‘The Joy of Addiction-Free Life’. This event is one of the great initiatives of Rev. Dr. John Alexander SDB, Secretary and Head, Dept. of Life Education. Around 240 staff and students attended this orientation through a live stream

The online orientation began with an introductory speech from Rev. Dr. Maria Antony Raj SDB, the Principal he reflected on addictions and how it is devastating the lives of adults. During his speech he advised the students to take up relevant social responsibilities to overcome this menace. He also emphasised on how Sacred Heart College is providing psychological and spiritual help for the needy. He concluded his speech by explaining the importance of spirituality with the quote of Bill Wilson “for we have not only been mentally and physically ill, but we have also been spiritually sick. When the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out mentally and physically”.

            The online orientation on ‘The Joy of Addiction-free Life’ was delivered by two eminent resource persons Rev. Fr. Joseph Jeyaraj SDB, the Director of Niraivagam at Don Bosco Institute of Psychological Services, Chennai and Mrs. Anne Florence Ammu alias Mrs. Priyasaki, HOD of Child Development Centre, Niraivagam, Chennai.

            At first Fr. Joseph Jeyaraj SDB, started his orientation. He reflected on the causes of addictions especially with regard to the pandemic situation. He gave a detailed explanation on addiction, types of addictions, causes, physical problems, psychological symptoms and its stages with apt examples. During the orientation, he differentiated stimulants and depressants and its consequences. He concluded his speech with relevant solutions such as mind control, disciplined practice, and spiritual strength. He also trained the students with some physical activities to improve their confidence.

            Mrs. Anne Florence Ammu alias Mrs Priyasaki begun her orientation with the impacts of digitalization and automation. During the orientation, she clearly explicated about cyber bullies, sexting, and gave cautions and awareness on digital footprint and social media. She facilitated the participants on the comparison of social media addictions and drug addictions. She also gave suggestions to overcome from such addictions and instructed to follow a term called ‘Law of Attraction’ which focuses on the relationship between the mind and the body. At the end of orientation, she conducted some physical activities and trained the participants to understand the ‘Law of Attraction’. Values of mindfulness, positive thinking, the importance of gratitude, significance of happy life were well explained during her orientation.

The programme came to an end with a vote of thanks and appreciations from the convenor Rev. Dr. S. John Borg SDB. 150 eligible participants have received the E-Certificates through their registered E-mail ID.

 

Resource Persons:

Rev. Fr. Joseph Jeyaraj SDB, Director – Niraivagam, Chennai Developmental Psychologist and Psychotherapist

Mrs. Anne Florence, HoD, Child Development Centre, Niraivagam, Chennai

 

A copy of E-Certificate: