Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Transport Minister Antony Raju advised youngsters to be mentally tough to overcome the difficult phases of life and asked the future generation to tread carefully and act responsibly in life. 

He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the youth fest to promote AIDS awareness among youngsters at Ayyankali Hall here on Saturday. The minister sounded caution over the rising number of AIDS cases. 

He also raised alarm over the growing instances of drug abuse among the youth and reminded them that several boys and girls in the state are falling into the trap of drugs. He also said that such youngsters tend to suffer from severe mental health issues and eventually end up committing crimes. “You guys should not wither under the slightest of pressures; instead you should face failures with patience,” advised the minister.