How Porsche crash inspired mandals to rail against substance abuse

Amar Bhalerao, founder of Rudrang Dhol Tasha Pathak and the Rudranga Foundation Trust, said, “Recently, there have been many drug-related cases in Pune. We have been using our Dhol Tasha performances to spread a message against drug use across Maharashtra. A lot of young people, especially those aged 17-22, are turning towards drugs, which is very dangerous.”

He added that people often thought of Dhol Tasha as a Ganpati ritual but those who participate in it “also carry this passion throughout the year”.

“Members who perform in our Dhol Tasha pathak are committed to staying away from drugs. During our performances, when they hold up cutouts with anti-drug messages, many people appreciate the effort,” he said.

Rudrang Dhol Tasha Pathak demonstrated one of the many ways Ganeshotsav organisers address the evil of substance abuse during Pune’s most prominent festival. Ganeshotsav mandals and Dhol Tasha performances attract crores of people every day and, thus, become vehicles of change.

Major mandals told The Indian Express that the Porsche case, in which an alleged incident of drunk driving resulted in the deaths of two people, has been a major trigger for this initiative to send a strong message to people about substance abuse. Ekta Mitra Mandal Trust, Shree Kalbhairav Tarun Mandal, Ranveer Mitra Mandal, Surdarshan Mitra Mandal Trust are among those taking part in the campaign by displaying anti-drug and anti-alcohol banners. Some mandals also plan to stage street plays on the subject.

At the helm of the effort are Dr Milind Bhoi, a social activist and member of Youth Policy, Govt. of Maharashtra, and the Pune Police. Bhoi says that he was inspired to work with the youth by the late former president APJ Abdul Kalam. “I am concerned that many young people are turning towards crime and narcotics. As a medicine practitioner for the last 30 years, I come across parents and teachers, who are confused about how to handle this burning issue. I started to dedicate my life and knowledge, experience to help people fight narcotics,” said Bhoi.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Himmat Jadhav said the cops played a key role in this anti-drug initiative. “In Zone 4 and all over Pune, we are focusing on three main levels. Our top priority is raising awareness, especially among youths. We plan to do this by reaching out through Ganesh Utsav, Ganesh Mandals and colleges, where young people are actively involved. Secondly, we will take action to stop drug activities by registering FIRs and acting against drug dealers in the area. We will investigate and take action against those already on our records,” he said.

Jadhav added that they were addressing the issue of liquor being served to minors. “We have issued notices to all FL2 and FL3 license holders that serving liquor to anyone under 18 will lead to penalties, license cancellation, or other legal action. Under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, we have the authority to take both civil and criminal actions,” he said.

Himmat said that the police had asked all mandals to display banners and encourage pledges against drug use, “so that, both, parents and young people attending the festival become aware of the dangers of drugs”. The police are also working with community leaders, mandal volunteers and using social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to spread the anti-drug message. “The Crime Branch and Anti-Narcotics Branch are also involved, and they are trained professionals handling this issue,” he said.

One of Pune’s oldest and most prestigious mandals, Akhil Mandai Mandal, has started by getting its own workers and volunteers to commit to staying away from addictions. “They have shown immense dedication. Their commitment to self-control is something that reflects in their personal lives as well. They are setting a great example of how strong values can help stay away from any kind of substance,” says Sanjay Mate, Trustee of the Akhil Mandai Mandal.

The Shree Garud Ganpati Mandal has arranged talks led by healthcare professionals to discuss how addiction harms both mental and physical health. The theme of the mandal, this year, is Kal Bhairav, a fierce protector. The theme of Kal Bhairav, thus, ties directly with the mandal’s stand against drug abuse as they aim to protect society from this growing menace. Sunil Kunjir, chairman of the Shree Garud Ganpati Mandal, said, “We are seeing more and more youngsters in Pune getting quickly attached to various types of abusive substances. It’s not just a problem for their families alone. The entire society should actively involve themselves in the prevention of such cases. The mandals are using their platform to bring this to light.”

Bhalerao, whose Dhol-Tasha group is in high demand, says that he would not like a repeat of a case in which they found a man who had overdosed at an auto station. “We took him to the hospital and informed the police. This experience made me realise how serious the problem is, especially since many young people come to Pune from outside Maharashtra without family support, and can be drawn towards substances,” he said