Chandigarh, 14 November 2026: As part of the National Library Week-cum-Children’s Day Celebrations 2026, T.S. Central State Library, Sector 17, Chandigarh, organised an Inter-School Nukkad Natak (Street Play) Competition on the theme “Nasha Mukt Bharat” at the Open Theatre opposite the Library.

Schools from Chandigarh and Mohali participated enthusiastically, presenting impactful street plays highlighting the harmful effects of substance abuse and spreading awareness about healthy and positive choices.

The participating schools included DAV Public Senior Secondary School, Mohali; AKSIPS 41 Smart School; Saint Soldier International School, Sector 28-B; Government Model High School, Sector 53; Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 26, TM; Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 32-C; and Government Model High School, Sector 11, Chandigarh.

The esteemed judges on the occasion were well known personalities Shri Balkar Sidhu and Shri Rajesh Atreya.

The prize winners were:
* First Prize: Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 26, TM, Chandigarh.
* Second Prize: Saint Soldier International School, Sector 28-B, Chandigarh.
* Third Prize: Government Model High School, Sector 11, Chandigarh.

Special Individual Awards:
* Best Actor (Male): Aaryan Bhatt, Class IX, Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 26, TM, Chandigarh.
* Best Actor (Female): Gurnaman, Class IX, AKSIPS 41 Smart School, Sector 41-B, Chandigarh.

The programme also featured two special guest Nukkad Natak performances on the theme by Vriddhi Educational Society and Abhyudaya Youth Club, further strengthening the message against substance abuse.
A special Saraswati Vandana performance by Shri Somesh added a cultural touch to the celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Neeza Singh, Librarian and Organiser, highlighted the programmes of the National Library Week celebrations on the theme of Nasha Mukt Bharat. She emphasised that creative platforms such as street theatre can effectively sensitise students about social challenges and encourage responsible choices.

Mrs. Neelam Bansal, Library Incharge and Patron, welcomed and appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the schools, and congratulated the winners, emphasising the importance of educating children about the ill effects of substance abuse.

The event reinforced the message of the Library’s celebrations, “Nasha Mukt Bharat – Pustakon Se Pragati Ki Aur,” highlighting the power of education, awareness and positive choices in building a healthy and drug-free society, and also the role of public libraries in promoting social awareness and engaging young people in meaningful community initiatives.