Shimla, July 1 (PTI) Children must be educated about the harmful effects of substance abuse from an early age, Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta said on Wednesday, as he called upon society to wage a collective mission against drugs to safeguard the future of the younger generation.
He made these remarks at the inaugural session of “Elevate Experience the Real High, A Step Towards Drug-Free Himachal’ event, organised by Anuvrat Vishwa Bharati Society.
The event marked the launch of the statewide anti-drug awareness campaign in Himachal Pradesh, which will subsequently be spread to different districts.
Representatives, educationists, social workers and youth from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan and other parts of the country participated in the programme, a statement issued said.
The governor described the initiative as a significant step towards realising the vision of a drug-free India.
He said the campaign represents a national resolve to build an India free from the shackles of addiction, where young people achieve success through their talent, determination and hard work rather than falling prey to substance abuse.
Explaining the significance of the campaign’s title, Gupta said that the word ‘Elevate’ symbolises rising higher, but true elevation lies in living a healthy, purposeful and service-oriented life.
He expressed happiness that the initiative was being developed into a nationwide people’s movement to inspire youth to choose a meaningful and disciplined way of life.
The governor said if the ideas and objectives of the campaign are implemented effectively at the grassroots level, Himachal Pradesh could make remarkable progress towards becoming a drug-free state.
He emphasised that the youth were the nation’s greatest asset, and protecting them from the menace of drugs is a shared responsibility of every section of society.
He said teachers, particularly, had an important role to play in shaping young minds.
“If educators regularly counsel students and guide them properly, they could be prevented from drifting towards addiction,” he added.
The governor observed that India was moving towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, and safeguarding the country’s youth from drugs is essential for achieving that vision.
He urged every citizen to stand shoulder to shoulder in the fight against substance abuse and contribute towards fulfilling the national resolve of Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Expressing concerns over changing social structures, Gupta said that the rise of nuclear families has reduced the guidance once provided by elders, leading to increasing loneliness, stress, depression and vulnerability among young people.
He stressed that stronger family bonds, open communication and emotional support are essential to address these challenges effectively.
Referring to Himachal Pradesh as Dev Bhoomi, the governor said that even this sacred land was not untouched by the growing menace of drugs.
He expressed confidence that when youth remain free from addiction, they can contribute significantly towards making the state stronger, healthier and more prosperous. PTI BPL KSI KSI
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