Vice-President Calls for Nationwide Movement to Make India Drug-Free
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan called for a nationwide movement against substance abuse during the Nasha Mukt Bharat Conclave in Bengaluru, urging society to work together for a drug-free India.
Vice-President Calls for Nationwide Movement to Make India Drug-Free
31st Foundation Day Celebration of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences
CNB WORLD TIMES
Bengaluru, 28th June: Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan has called for a united national effort to eliminate substance abuse, urging educational institutions, families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies and civil society to work together in building a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Addressing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Conclave, organized by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in association with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Disha Bodh Foundation during the University's 31st Foundation Day celebrations in Bengaluru, the Vice-President said that the fight against drug abuse must begin with individuals and grow into a nationwide movement.
He emphasized that substance abuse is a serious threat to public health, education, productivity, social harmony and national development. Congratulating RGUHS on its Foundation Day, he praised the university for its contributions to medical education, research and public health, and for producing generations of healthcare professionals committed to serving the nation.
Expressing satisfaction over the large number of students who pledged to make Bengaluru, Karnataka and ultimately India drug-free, Shri Radhakrishnan said that the vision of a "Nasha Mukt Bharat" goes beyond eliminating drugs. It represents healthy choices, informed decisions, supportive families and resilient communities.
The Vice-President stressed that every young life lost to addiction is a loss to the nation. He encouraged students, especially future doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, researchers and public health professionals, to become ambassadors of awareness and actively contribute to prevention, treatment, research and evidence-based policymaking.
Highlighting the need for greater research in addiction medicine, mental health and behavioural sciences, he said that public policies must be guided by scientific evidence. He also advocated the use of technology, counselling services and peer-support networks to strengthen efforts against substance abuse.
Referring to his continued campaign for drug-free educational institutions, Shri Radhakrishnan noted that, as Chancellor of the University of Delhi, Panjab University and Pondicherry University, he has consistently promoted drug-free campuses. He also welcomed the success of the Drug-Free Campus Campaign and the e-Pledge initiative launched earlier this year at the University of Delhi.
On the occasion, the Vice-President administered polio vaccine drops to infants under Karnataka's National Pulse Polio Drive and honoured former Vice-Chancellors of RGUHS for their valuable contributions to the university's growth.
Several dignitaries, including Karnataka Governor Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Karnataka Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice (Retd.) Syed Abdul Nazeer, state ministers and senior university officials, attended the event.
Reiterating his message, the Vice-President said, "The vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat is not merely the absence of drugs. It is the presence of healthy choices, informed decisions, supportive families and resilient communities."
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