Event to highlight menace of drug addiction begins today 

(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) An edutainment event called Stop SAD' (Stop smoking, alcohol and drugs) will be held across Oman from Sunday.Held by Al Hayat Association in collaboration with Indian Social Club Muscat and the National Committee for Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, the event is part of the association's efforts to combat drug addiction by spreading awareness.''This is a matter of concern as smoking, alcohol and drug abuse are on the rise. We need aggressive awareness campaigns in this regard. Al Hayat, which deals with the problem, has been kind enough to act on this matter, which needs serious attention,'' Dr Satish Nambiar, chairman of the Indian Social Club, said at a press conference on Saturday.The show features Gopinathan Muthukad, a popular entertainer from India. He is participating in this initiative to help educate people on the cause and effects of the use of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. ''I have been a magician for 40 years now and have been using magic to educate audience about various issues including spreading communal harmony in our country. But, this is the first time that I'm taking up the issue of drug addiction.''The show will be held at the Sur Technical College of Applied Science on Sunday, followed by Sultan Qaboos University on November 5, Salaam Sports Club in Liwa on November 6, Oman Medical College in Sohar on November 7 and at the Clock Tower in Ruwi on November 8.The show timing at all locations is 7pm to 9pm.