ESAF Foundation Communications
31 July 2026
NEWS
ESAF Balajyothi Rolled Out KAAVAL TOOFAN: A State-wide Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign on Wheels
ESAF Foundation Communications
31 July 2026
ESAF Foundation launched ESAF Balajyothi KAAVAL TOOFAN, a statewide anti-drug awareness campaign for school children from 7-17 July 2026, in support of Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt, the Government of Kerala’s flagship anti-narcotics initiative.
Implemented under ESAF Balajyothi, the flagship CSR programme of ESAF Small Finance Bank, the campaign was led by members of ESAF Balajyothi Clubs across six districts of Kerala. As peer leaders and changemakers, the students spearheaded awareness activities within their schools, inspiring fellow students to embrace a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
The campaign was implemented in collaboration with the District Narcotics Cells, Kerala Police, Kerala Excise Department, Educational Institutions, Local Self-Government Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, and ESAF Small Finance Bank, demonstrating a strong partnership between government agencies, communities, and educational institutions to protect children from substance abuse.
A dedicated ESAF Balajyothi KAAVAL TOOFAN Awareness Vehicle travelled across Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Idukki districts, conducting anti-drug awareness programmes and interactive activities in 28 schools.
The state-level campaign was officially launched on 7 July 2026 in Thrissur by Nakul Rajendra Deshmukh, IPS (District Police Chief, Thrissur City) who also flagged off the campaign vehicle. Dr. K. Paul Thomas (Managing Director & CEO, ESAF Small Finance Bank / Founder, ESAF Group of Social Enterprises), Mereena Paul (Executive Director, ESAF Foundation / Co-founder / ESAF Group of Social Enterprises), and Shibu P (ACP, Thrissur City Narcotics Cell) attended the launch event as Chief Guests.
District-level launch programmes were subsequently organised across all six districts. The campaign concluded at Government High School, Kallarkutty, Idukki, where F. Raja (MLA, Devikulam Assembly Constituency) inaugurated the closing ceremony.
By placing children at the centre of the movement, ESAF Balajyothi KAAVAL TOOFAN transformed young learners into ambassadors of change, encouraging schools and communities across Kerala to unite for a safer, healthier, and drug-free future.
Campaign Reach
The campaign successfully reached 6 districts across Kerala and covered 28 schools, directly engaging 20,672 students in anti-drug awareness activities. To reinforce the campaign message, 25,000 anti-drug awareness bookmarks were distributed among students. The initiative also extended to higher education institutions, with 4 colleges participating through awareness programmes led by National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers and Social Work students.
The campaign witnessed active participation from 29 officials representing the Kerala Police and Kerala Excise Department, who addressed students and supported district-level programmes. Additionally, 15 Local Self-Government Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, including Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats, Municipalities, and Municipal Corporations, partnered with the initiative, while 31 elected representatives participated in campaign events across the six districts.
Campaign Impact
Through collaborative action involving children, schools, colleges, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and communities, ESAF Balajyothi KAAVAL TOOFAN successfully established a statewide platform for anti-drug awareness. By empowering children to become advocates against substance abuse, the campaign fostered greater awareness, strengthened community participation, and reinforced the collective commitment to building a drug-free Kerala.
