In a significant step towards building a drug-free society, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, launched ‘Operation Toofan – The Narco Hunt’, a comprehensive anti-drug awareness initiative aimed at protecting young people from substance abuse through education, community engagement, technology, and healthcare interventions.
The programme was inaugurated by Kerala Home and Vigilance Minister Shri Ramesh Chennithala, who also launched the THAMPI (Tribal Healthcare Awareness and Medical Programme Initiative), an outreach programme designed to expand anti-drug awareness, prevention, and treatment services among tribal communities. The Minister administered the Toofan Pledge and distributed badges to the Toofan Warriors, reaffirming the collective commitment to combating drug abuse.
The event commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Swami Poornamritananda Puri, General Secretary of Mata Amritanandamayi Math, who delivered the benedictory address. Emphasising the importance of value-based living, he noted that preventive initiatives rooted in awareness and compassion are essential for nurturing a healthy, drug-free society.
Welcoming the gathering, Prof. Dr. Girish Kumar K. P., Principal, Amrita School of Medicine, highlighted the institution’s commitment to addressing pressing public health challenges through collaborative action.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ramesh Chennithala commended Amrita Hospital for its sustained contributions to healthcare and social welfare. He stressed the need for united action against drug abuse and reiterated the commitment of the Kerala Police to eliminating drug networks that threaten the future of the younger generation.
The official launch of ‘Toofan One’, an integrated software platform developed by Amrita Technologies to support the initiative, was performed by Hon’ble Justice Devan Ramachandran of the Kerala High Court. He lauded the initiative and remarked that true strength lies in choosing a life free from drugs while appreciating the collaborative efforts of Amrita Hospital and the Kerala Police.
The keynote address was delivered by Shri Rawada A. Chandrasekhar IPS, State Police Chief, Kerala, who underscored the importance of sustained public participation in the fight against narcotics. Ernakulam MLA Shri T. J. Vinod unveiled the official logo of Operation Toofan, while 24 News Managing Director Shri R. Sreekandan Nair felicitated the Toofan-Amrita Healthcare Warriors. Actor Mohanlal, through a video message, extended his support for the initiative on behalf of the ViswaSanthi Foundation.
The programme also featured talks by Shri Putta Vimaladitya IPS, State Nodal Officer, who outlined the objectives and implementation strategy of Operation Toofan; Prof. Dr. C. Sreekumar, who highlighted Amrita’s healthcare and social initiatives; and Shri Pradeep Achan, CEO of Amrita Technologies, who explained the technological framework of the Toofan One platform.
Several dignitaries, including Shri Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar IPS, Kochi City Police Commissioner and IG; Dr. Jaggu Swamy, General Manager, Amrita Hospital and Chief Coordinator of the Toofan-Amrita Team; Adv. K. Anand, Legal Advisor; Shri C. K. Pradeep Biju Melatoor, State Coordinator; Dr. D. M. Vasudevan, Research Dean, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham; Dr. Rehna C. Mukundan, General Manager, Amrita Hospital; Dr. Dinesh, former Professor of Psychiatry; and Shri Sajikumar G. S., Administrative Director, Amrita Vidyalaya Kerala, extended their greetings.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Ramakrishnan, Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Amrita Hospital.
Around 600 students and teachers from Amrita Vidyalayas in Ernakulam, Perumbavoor, and Nedumangad, along with students and staff from the Kochi Health Sciences Campus, participated in the programme. Students from Amrita Kairali Vidyalayam, Nedumangad, presented a powerful anti-drug awareness skit, reinforcing the event’s message of prevention through education and collective responsibility.
Through Operation Toofan, Amrita Hospital aims to create a sustainable movement against drug abuse by integrating healthcare, technology, law enforcement, educational institutions, and community participation to safeguard the well-being of future generations.
