Kerala Once Again Sets an Example in Education

Kerala is once again setting a model in the field of education. The Department of Public Education has announced that the first two weeks of the new academic year, starting on June 2, will be dedicated to social awareness classes.

The primary objective of this initiative is to raise awareness among students—from newcomers to senior students—on key social issues such as *drug abuse, personal hygiene, and digital discipline*. The goal is to shape a generation that is not only academically capable but also mentally healthy and socially responsible, starting from the school level itself.

As Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has pointed out, those who have fallen into drug abuse should not be isolated but instead brought back through *counseling and medical care. In connection with this, a **statewide anti-drug campaign* will be launched in all educational institutions.

Additionally, the awareness sessions will cover *traffic discipline, exam stress, mobile addiction, and **friendship management. The government has also decided to **strengthen friendship clubs* in 1,680 higher secondary schools to provide better support for students.

*Education now extends beyond marks to teach essential life lessons.*

This innovative move by Kerala’s education system highlights a progressive educational vision—one that goes beyond textbooks and exams.