- Drug-free youth-developed India resolution campaign concludes at the university
Various awareness programs organized over the past month under the “Drug-Free Youth-Developed India” pledge campaign concluded today at Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur. Chancellor and Governor Shri Ramen Deka was the chief guest at the event.
Governor Deka stated that India is a nation of youth. The greatest strength of any nation is its young generation. Youth are not only the future of the country, but also a vital force of its present. Their thoughts, resolve, and dreams determine the nation’s direction. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to protect the youth from evils like drug addiction. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched this massive campaign on August 2, 2026, with the aim of freeing youth from drug addiction and bringing positive change to society. The fight against drug addiction is not just the government’s responsibility, but the shared responsibility of the entire society. Today, along with traditional drugs, the use of dry drugs is also increasing, posing a serious challenge to the health and future of youth.
The Governor said that addiction affects a person’s ability to distinguish between right and wrong. Instead of blaming those addicted to addiction, a sensitive approach should be adopted, providing counseling and, if necessary, treatment. Excessive addiction can also lead to psychological problems. He said that mental health has emerged as a major challenge in the 21st century.
Mr. Deka said that addiction does not solve any problem. Life faces situations like exam pressure, career worries, fear of failure, and the burden of expectations. Resorting to addiction to escape these is not the answer. Running away from problems is not the solution; facing them is true courage. He urged the youth to make discipline, punctuality, and regular study a part of their lives. He said that the habit of reading not only increases knowledge but also awareness about various subjects. Describing digital addiction as a serious challenge, the Governor appealed to the youth to use digital media in a balanced and judicious manner.
The chief speaker of the program, Mr. Trilochan Chawla, Director of Heartfulness Ashram, Hyderabad, addressed the students on the psychological aspects of drug de-addiction. He also administered an oath to the students to play an active role in the Drug Free India campaign. The Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. Sachchidanand Shukla, gave the welcome address. He said that the National Service Scheme (NSS) and My Bharat Volunteers played an important role in making the campaign successful. The Governor honored the winning students of various competitions organized during the campaign. The Governor also honored senior professor Mr. Rajiv Chaudhary, who was awarded the National Education Award.
Representatives of the Red Cross and Rotary organizations were presented with certificates of appreciation for the blood donation camp organized by the organization. Principals from various colleges, university faculty members, professors, and a large number of students were present on the occasion.