Chandigarh, 5 August: Calling upon the youth to become the torchbearers of a drug-free India, Sh. Yogi Suri, National President, Arya Yuva Samaj, exhorted students to “be the sword of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and kill the demon of substance abuse” during an inspiring discourse on ‘No Nasha Nation’ organised by Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, under the aegis of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and Victory Against Drug Abuse (VADA) Club, as part of Induction Week 2026.

The programme sought to sensitise newly admitted students to the growing menace of addictions while encouraging them to embrace a life guided by values, discipline and social responsibility. Sh. Yogi Suri graced the event as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Amanjit Singh, IRS, Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau, Chandigarh, attended the programme as the Guest of Honour. MCM alumna and noted social activist Mrs. Priya Suri, philanthropist Mr. Naresh Nayyar, Mrs. Suman Nayyar, Sh. R. C. Jeevan, Senior Governing Body Member, DAV College Managing Committee, New Delhi, and Dr. Anoop Kumar Vatts, National Coordinator (Colleges), DAV College Managing Committee, were the special guests.

In his keynote address, Sh. Yogi Suri lauded MCM as a coveted seat of higher learning and congratulated the freshers on joining an institution committed to nurturing young minds into achievers. Reflecting on the meaning of true freedom, he remarked that the greatest freedom lies in taking charge of one’s life and making wise, responsible choices. He cautioned that two types of addictions- substance abuse and digital dependency, are robbing the present generation of its most precious resource I.e. time, and urged students to confront both with the courage envisioned by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. Drawing a powerful analogy, he observed that just as one keeps a safe distance from snakes to avoid their venom, the surest protection against drugs is complete abstinence. Explaining the ‘Broken Window Theory’, he emphasised that when life and society are at stake, individuals cannot remain passive but must take responsibility and act decisively. Calling upon the youth to wage a determined battle against every form of addiction, he urged them to display the same spirit with which India’s forefathers fought for Independence and confronted the challenge of poverty. He asserted that the strength to overcome addiction is rooted in values, self-discipline and the timeless wisdom of the Vedas- the fountainhead of all knowledge. Inspiring the young women present, he exhorted them to become the sword of Swami Dayanand Saraswati that strikes down the demon of drug abuse. Emphasising the transformative role of women in society, he encouraged them to emerge as strong, value-driven individuals capable of building strong families, strong ideologies and, ultimately, a strong nation. He concluded by administering the ‘No Nasha Nation’ Pledge, reaffirming the collective resolve to build a drug-free India. A thought-provoking video by Arya Yuva Samaj further reinforced the message of freeing society from the scourge of drug abuse and inspired students to choose a meaningful and purposeful life.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Amanjit Singh underlined the urgency of tackling drug abuse, describing it as a challenge of enormous proportions. Dispelling several myths surrounding addiction, including the misconceptions that experimenting once is harmless, drugs relieve stress, use of drugs is merely a personal choice, recovery is impossible, substance abuse affects only the poor, prescription medicines are safe, or that one can never become dependent, he sensitised students to the realities of substance abuse. He also acquainted them with the TELE MANAS Helpline, encouraged them to become ambassadors of a drug-free India, and stressed that society must collectively support those struggling with addiction.
Welcoming the fresh entrants, Dr. Anoop Kumar Vatts highlighted the significance of the Induction Programme in helping students transition smoothly into higher education. He observed that the ‘No Nasha Nation’ campaign envisioned by Sh. Yogi Suri has evolved into a nationwide movement and urged students to contribute wholeheartedly towards its mission. During the event, Panjab University position holders were felicitated with IQAC Scholarships in recognition of their academic excellence, and a hard-hitting nukkad natak was staged.

Officiating Principal Ms. Neena Sharma stated that the programme forms part of the college’s sustained efforts to promote holistic education by nurturing responsible citizenship, ethical values and social awareness among students. She added that through such initiatives, the institution seeks to empower fresh entrants with the knowledge and motivation to make informed life choices and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.