Meghalaya Joins Nationwide Pledge for a Drug-Free India
Shillong, August 2: Meghalaya has joined the nationwide ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat– Sankalp Abhiyan’, a campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build a drug-free, developed India. The event was held at Lok Bhavan in Shillong, with Governor CH Vijayashankar and state educational institutions participating in the virtual launch.
A Nationwide Movement
The campaign was launched simultaneously at around 28,000 locations across the country, with more than one crore youths participating virtually. The nationwide event also saw the involvement of governors, chief ministers, union ministers, educational institutions, youth organisations, spiritual groups, and other stakeholders committed to the goal of a drug-free India. The programme at Lok Bhavan began with a welcome by MY Bharat volunteers, followed by opening remarks from Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya.
Meghalaya’s Participation
The event witnessed the participation of students and faculty members from several educational institutions across Meghalaya, including North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, and Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU). Representatives from other universities and colleges in the state also attended the programme. Members of various religious and spiritual organisations, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor HC Chaudhary, were also present.
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Pledge
Following the prime minister’s address, participants at Lok Bhavan took the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to preventing substance abuse and promoting healthy and responsible lifestyles. The programme concluded with a street play presented by the state-level winners of a Nasha Mukti competition. The performance highlighted the harmful effects of drug abuse and underscored the need for collective efforts by families, educational institutions, communities, and government agencies to raise awareness and curb substance abuse.
USTM Joins the Nationwide Programme
Meanwhile, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) also joined the nationwide programme by organising a virtual viewing of the launch at its central auditorium. The programme at USTM was attended by Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) GD Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi Nipon Hajong, and other officials.
USTM’s Commitment
Speaking on the occasion, the vice chancellor reiterated USTM’s dedication to nurturing socially responsible citizens through quality education. Hoque thanked the central and the state governments for enabling the university to join the initiative. Hajong lauded the Centre’s commitment to combating substance abuse and encouraged students to become ambassadors of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan by spreading awareness within their communities.
A Collective Resolve
On the occasion, a solemn Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge was administered, with students, faculty members, NSS volunteers, and officials pledging to remain free from substance abuse and contribute towards building a healthier society. The participants then joined the prime minister’s live address, which reinforced the vital role of India’s youth in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat. The programme witnessed the participation of nearly 10,000 students, faculty members, NSS volunteers, and staff, and concluded with a collective resolve to carry forward the prime minister’s message and strengthen the nationwide movement for a Nasha Mukt Bharat, paving the way for a healthier, stronger, and Viksit Bharat.