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DU Launches Drug-Free Campus Drive: VP Urges Youth Vigilance Against Substance Abuse

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Drug Free Campus Campaign at Delhi University, calling for it to be extended to all central higher education institutions. He urged Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to lead sustained efforts to protect youth from substance abuse, linking it to the vision of a developed and self-reliant India. The VP emphasized that universities are crucibles for shaping values and leadership, and a stand by DU sends a powerful societal message. He also launched a dedicated e-pledge platform and mobile app, encouraging nationwide student participation to create safe and nurturing academic environments.

Key Points: VP Radhakrishnan Launches Drug-Free Campus Campaign at Delhi University

  • VP launches e-pledge platform & app
  • Campaign aligned with NEP 2020's holistic vision
  • Substance abuse termed a threat to demographic dividend
  • Students urged to become ambassadors of change
2 min read

V-P Radhakrishnan launches drug free campus campaign at Delhi University

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurates Nasha Mukt Parisar Abhiyaan at DU, urging students to pledge for a drug-free India and protect youth.

"When a premier institution like the DU takes a firm stand against substance abuse, it sends a powerful message to society at large. - Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan"

New Delhi, Jan 13

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Drug Free Campus Campaign at the Delhi University, calling for efforts to make the drive an integral part of all Central higher educational institutions.

The Vice-President called upon the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to ensure that sustained and collective efforts are made to protect the youth from substance abuse and to realise the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

He said that the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, reflects a holistic vision by emphasising mental health, life skills and student well-being.

He added that initiatives such as the Drug Free Campus Campaign resonate with the spirit of the NEP by creating safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environments.

Commending the varsity for integrating awareness programmes, counselling mechanisms, student-led initiatives and stakeholder collaboration, the Vice-President said that when students become ambassadors of change, the impact extends beyond campuses to families and communities.

He urged students to remain vigilant, support peers in distress, speak up against substance abuse and lead by example.

Highlighting that India is a youthful nation, the Vice-President described substance abuse as not merely a personal problem but a serious social challenge, public health concern and a threat to the country's demographic dividend.

Emphasising that strong nations require strong leadership, V-P Radhakrishnan said universities are not merely centres of academic learning but institutions where values are shaped, leadership is nurtured and the future of the nation is forged.

He added that when a premier institution like the DU takes a firm stand against substance abuse, it sends a powerful message to society at large.

The Vice-President also launched a dedicated e-pledge platform (https://pledge.du.ac.in/home) and mobile application under the 'Nasha Mukt Parisar Abhiyaan', and urged students from universities across the country to actively participate and take the pledge for a drug-free campus.

He noted that drug abuse adversely affects physical and mental health, academic performance, family harmony, productivity and national security, including its links with narco-terrorism.

The Vice-President said the vision of a developed and self-reliant India can be realised only when the youth remain healthy, drug-free and purpose-driven.

A drug-free youth, he added, is better equipped to acquire skills, promote entrepreneurship and contribute meaningfully to economic growth and national development.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally! Our youth are our future. Substance abuse is indeed a threat to our demographic dividend. I hope this campaign includes proper counselling and doesn't just stop at awareness. Parents need to be involved too.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see this focus on mental health and life skills within the NEP. The link to national security and narco-terrorism is a strong, sobering point. Hope the mobile app is user-friendly for maximum student engagement.
R
Rohit P
Student-led initiatives are key. When we become ambassadors, the message hits home. But the real test is sustained effort. These campaigns often fizzle out after the launch event. Need constant follow-up.
S
Sarah B
Creating safe and inclusive environments is crucial. The emphasis on supporting peers in distress is very positive. However, I hope the counselling mechanisms are confidential and non-judgmental to actually help those struggling.
K
Karthik V
Aatmanirbhar Bharat needs Aatmanirbhar youth! A drug-free, healthy student is indeed more productive. But we also need to address the root causes - academic pressure, unemployment anxiety. Jai Hind!

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