Mangalore : Matha Amritanandamayi, popularly known as  the hugging saint gave darshan to thousands of devotees at the Amritya Vidyalaya venue at Bolur in Mangalore on February 10, Sunday as part of Amrita Sangam-2013.

Delivreing a discourse on the occasion, Amma was vivid when she chose to speak on a highly relevant issue-substance issue, particularly after the recent death of a teenager addicted to drugs.

Amma in her discourse, stressed the need for greater awareness on drug menace and added a person addicted to drugs not only destroys himself but also his family. A person who realizes that drugs and alcohol not only does harm to him but also his near and dear ones, he would naturally shun drugs, Amma said.

 She said awareness itself is needed to eliminate this menace. Calling upon the society to be selfless in its attitude, she said ego was the biggest enemy of man. While enjoying our freedom and respecting others, we have to see that our freedom does not affect others, she observed.

Amma also called upon youngsters to respect parents and elders and deplored the practice of sending parents to old age homes.

Dr Jeevaraj Sorake, Managing Director of SCS Hospital, Krishna Palemar, former minister, Deputy Mayor Amitha Kala, Corporator Surekha and several others were present.