Vice President calls for collective efforts to achieve 'Nasha Mukt Bharat'
Bengaluru, June 28
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday called for collective efforts to achieve 'Nasha Mukt Bharat', highlighting that every young life lost to addiction represents a loss of national potential.
Addressing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Conclave, organised by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in association with the Narcotics Control Bureau and Disha Bodh Foundation, the Vice President said that a Nasha Mukt Bharat is not merely about the absence of drugs but about promoting healthy choices, informed decisions, supportive families and resilient communities.
He said that to build a Nasha Mukt Bharat, the fight against substance abuse must begin with individuals and grow into a nationwide movement through the combined efforts of educational institutions, families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, and civil society.
Radhakrishnan, while attending the 31st Foundation Day of RGUHS at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, said that substance abuse threatens not only individual health but also educational attainment, productivity, social cohesion and national development.
Stressing that individuals must have complete control over their own minds, he remarked that when drugs take control of the mind, one loses control over one's own life.
The Vice President said that every young life lost to addiction represents a loss of national potential.
He urged students, particularly future doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, researchers and public health professionals, to become ambassadors of awareness and play a leading role in prevention, treatment, research and evidence-based policymaking to address substance abuse.
Calling for greater research in addiction medicine, mental health, behavioural sciences and community-based interventions, he emphasised that evidence must guide action and research must inform policy.
The Vice President also underlined the importance of leveraging technology, counselling services and peer support networks in addressing substance use disorders.
Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice (Retd) Syed Abdul Nazeer, Karnataka Minister for Medical Education Dr Sharan Prakash R. Patil, Karnataka Minister for Health & Family Welfare U.T. Khader Fareed, Vice-Chancellor of RGUHS Bhagavan and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good intentions, but actions speak louder than words. We've had many such campaigns before—what really changes on the ground? More rehabilitation centres, better counselling, and stricter enforcement near educational institutions needed. Just my two paise.
As someone who works with youth in Bangalore, I can say the problem is real and growing. The emphasis on research and evidence-based policy is crucial. We need data to know what actually works—not just moral lectures.
Nasha Mukt Bharat is a great vision, but we have to address root causes. Why do youth turn to drugs? Peer pressure? Depression? Unemployment? Unless we fix these, no amount of speeches will help. Still, good that the VP is prioritizing this issue.
I'm a final year MBBS student and this resonates deeply. The VP asking future doctors to become ambassadors is spot on. We see the damage addiction causes firsthand. Let's hope this translates into better addiction medicine curriculum in our colleges.
One thing missing here: the role of parents. We're too busy with our phones and careers to notice what our kids are up to. The VP mentioned families—that's where it starts. Talk to your children, people! 🙏
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