Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Governor and Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) Chancellor Professor Asim Kumar Ghosh on Sunday called for collective efforts to protect young people from substance abuse, saying a drug-free society was essential to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Ghosh flagged off a drug awareness rally organised by the National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell at MDU in Rohtak. He urged teachers, students and members of society to work together to turn the fight against drug abuse into a mass movement.
The Governor said the goal of a developed India could be achieved only when young people remained healthy, aware and free from addiction. He emphasised that their energy and talent should be channelled towards national development.
His wife, Mitra Ghosh, the First Lady of Haryana, was also present at the event.
Governor Calls For Collective Action Against Drug Abuse
Addressing the gathering, Ghosh said protecting young people from drugs and involving them in nation-building activities were important for fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Describing substance abuse as a serious social challenge, he stressed the need to raise awareness about its harmful effects and encourage young people to participate in constructive social initiatives.
He called on educational institutions, families and communities to work together to promote a drug-free society and help young people use their abilities positively.
172 NSS Volunteers From Nine States Participate
The awareness rally featured 172 National Service Scheme volunteers participating in a National Integration Camp at the university. The volunteers represented nine states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana.
Dressed in traditional attire, the participants conveyed a message against drug abuse and highlighted the importance of building a society free from addiction.
The participation of students from different states also reflected the camp’s focus on national integration, cultural exchange and social responsibility.
MDU Vice-Chancellor Emphasises A Drug-Free Environment
MDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Milap Poonia highlighted the importance of creating a drug-free environment for building a healthy society. He stressed that sustained collective efforts were necessary to address the problem.
NSS Programme Coordinator Professor Savita Rathi delivered the welcome address and shared information about the National Integration Camp. Professor Divya Malhan conducted the proceedings.
Several university officials attended the programme, including Dean of Academic Affairs Professor Randeep Rana, Registrar Professor Sandeep Bansal, Dean of College Development Council Professor Rajesh Poonia, Dean of Students’ Welfare Professor Sapna Garg and Sports Director Kultaj Singh.
Other attendees included Campus Forestry Director Professor Surender Yadav, Director of Youth Welfare Dr Pratap Rathi, Faculty House in-charge Dr Sanjeev Kumar and NSS Deputy Director Professor Anju Panwar, along with NSS programme officers, volunteers and their coordinators.
The rally highlighted the role of educational institutions and student-led initiatives in spreading awareness about substance abuse and encouraging young people to contribute to society.
