Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday inaugurated the Drug Free Campus campaign at the University of Delhi, calling for sustained and collective efforts to safeguard the country’s youth from substance abuse and realise the vision of a Viksit and Aatma-nirbhar Bharat.
Stressing that universities play a crucial role beyond academics, the Vice-President said they are institutions where values are shaped, leadership is nurtured and the future of the nation is forged. He noted that when a premier institution like Delhi University takes a firm stand against substance abuse, it sends a powerful message to society at large.
During the event, the Vice-President launched a dedicated e-pledge platform and a mobile application under the Nasha Mukt Parisar Abhiyaan, urging students across universities nationwide to actively participate and commit to creating drug-free campuses.
He also called upon Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to ensure that the Drug Free Campus Campaign becomes an integral part of all Central higher educational institutions. Describing substance abuse as a serious social and public health challenge, he warned that it threatens India’s demographic dividend and has wider implications for productivity, family harmony and national security, including links to narco-terrorism.
Emphasising that the vision of a developed and self-reliant India can be achieved only with a healthy, purpose-driven youth, the Vice-President said drug-free students are better equipped to acquire skills, promote entrepreneurship and contribute meaningfully to national development. Highlighting India’s cultural emphasis on self-discipline and mental balance, he referred to initiatives promoting yoga and meditation, as well as programmes such as the MY Bharat Portal and PM Anusandhan Yojana, which channelise youth energy towards research, innovation and nation-building.
He further noted that the National Education Policy 2020 reflects a holistic vision by prioritising mental health, life skills and student well-being, adding that initiatives like the Drug Free Campus Campaign align closely with this approach. Commending Delhi University for integrating awareness programmes, counselling mechanisms and student-led initiatives, the Vice-President urged students to support peers in distress, speak up against substance abuse and lead by example. Expressing confidence that Delhi University would emerge as a model drug-free campus, he said a Nasha Mukt Bharat is essential for building a healthy, strong and developed nation.
The event was attended by Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Delhi Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood, Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh, senior officials, faculty members and students.
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