‘Talk to Mammootty’: Mammootty-led anti-drug helpline enters new phase
Kochi: Kerala DGP Ravada A. Chandrasekhar expressed his gratitude to actor Mammootty for leading a meaningful social initiative, ‘Talk to Mammootty’, saying, “We should be the ones thanking you for launching such a program for the welfare of society.”
The statement came in response to Mammootty’s humble “Thank you” during the launch of a new phase of the ‘Talk to Mammootty’ anti-drug initiative in Kochi.
The project, spearheaded by Mammootty and supported by the state’s Home Department, encourages citizens to share information related to drug use and trafficking via phone. It has now moved into a more extensive phase, incorporating real-time complaint redressal by the police.
At the official ceremony in Kochi, the DGP personally responded to a live complaint from Naduvannur in Kozhikode, marking the beginning of the initiative’s expanded operations. Mammootty, currently recovering in Chennai post-treatment, joined the event via phone and thanked the police and the state government for their continued support.
Speaking at the event, the DGP highlighted the importance of community participation in tackling drug abuse. He noted that while the police will continue to take legal action against traffickers and dealers, addicts should be brought back into society through care and counselling.
‘Talk to Mammootty’ is monitored by Care & Share International, a social service organization led by Mammootty. The project offers counselling support in partnership with Rajagiri Hospital’s Department of Clinical Psychology. Services are provided free of cost, with experts including Dr. Vineeth Mohan, Dr. Gargi Pushpalal, Dr. Arjun Balaram, and clinical psychologists Divya K. Thomas and Amritha Mohan.
The government has issued orders directing the police to receive complaints and information received via the ‘Talk to Mammootty’ helpline. These complaints are processed at the Anti-Narcotics Control Room and the office of the ADGP in charge of law and order. The initiative also receives support from the Kudumbashree Mission, and previous government directives have encouraged cooperation from the Excise and Local Self Government Departments.
Information related to drug abuse or trafficking can be shared by calling 6238877369. Callers are greeted with a recorded message in Mammootty’s own voice, adding a personal touch to the campaign. The data collected is passed on to the police and excise departments.