Alcoholics Anonymous, inter group set up in Udupi

Alcoholics Anonymous, inter group set up in Udupi

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Sep 06, 2016: Reports received inform that an intergroup of A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) consisting of 20 groups in and around Udupi district  was inaugurated on September 4, Sunday. The inauguration took place at the Jagannatha hall of Badaga Bettu co-operative society. The chief guests were Dr. P.V. Bhandary, Dr. Virupaksha Devaramane, Indrali Jayakar Shetty and Rohan Colaco.

’Alcoholics Anonymous’ is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience strength and  hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or  fees for A.A. membership; They are self supporting through their own contributions. A.A. is not allied  with any religion/sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any  controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. The primary purpose is to stay sober and to  help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.

Alcoholism implies compulsive drinking. If you drink when you don’t want to drink, you are certainly an alcoholic. Many people can drink like gentlemen, hold their liquor and feel no after-craving for a  drink. A.A. has nothing to offer these drinkers. This message is directed only to those to whom  alcohol has become the BIGGEST problem of their lives.

Dr. P.V. Bhandary, Psychiatrist, spoke on the integration and relationship between the medical fraternity and A.A. He was of the opinion that they are like husband and wife.  Dr. Virupaksha Devaramane, enlightened about the work he is doing with children of alcoholics. He impressed that the children of alcoholics need a high degree of support and guidance. 

Rohan Colaco, ‘A’ class Trustee Elect, GSB, A.A. India, spoke on the need to spread the message to  various interior parts of the country. He stressed the need for strengthening A.A. in Karnataka  especially northern Karnataka by holding conventions in specific places.

 Indrali Jayakar Shetty, who is well known social worker and director of Badaga Bettu Co-operative society, spoke on the advantage of having A.A. groups. He said he will always continue his support to  A.A. 

Various A.A. members spoke on service and traditions of A.A. Announcement of A.A. International
Convention coinciding with 60 years of A.A. in Mangalore is planned in January 2017. Karnataka
state president of A.A. said there are plans of organising Karnataka state A.A. convention in Hampi in 2017. An anniversary celebration of Mangalore intergroup of A.A. will be held on October 2 nd at St.  Sebastian Platinum Jubilee hall, Bendore.

The local Helpline numbers of Alcoholics Anonymous are: Mangalore: 9739866901, 9845013047, 9845807190 Udupi: 9845580351, 9880233159,  Malnad: 9480139980, 9448744968, 9845903617, Bangalore: 9845587507, 9972417398, 9731312520,Mysore: 9243502105, 9844775272, Interior Karnataka (Kadur): 7760008361,India (Mumbai): 0222-3075134