Chandigarh, October 16, 2026: T.S. Central State Library, Sector 17, Chandigarh, successfully concluded its week-long Library Orientation-cum-Nasha Mukt Bharat Awareness Programme today at Government Model High School (GMHS), Sector 11, Chandigarh. Organised from October 12 to 16, 2026, the initiative covered more than 5000 students of 10 government schools across Chandigarh.

The programme aimed to motivate children to develop reading habits, familiarise them with the resources and services of T.S. Central State Library, and spread awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse.

As part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the Library organised a puppet-based awareness play that was staged in the schools by 16 children of Vriddhi NGO under the direction of theatre artist Mr. Subhasis Neogi. Mrs Pranita Biswas, Founder of Vriddhi, was also activelThe play performance aims the message of staying away from drugs and making healthy life choices.

Dr. Neeza Singh, Librarian and Organiser of the programme, said, “Through this initiative, we aimed to bring children closer to books and libraries while creating awareness about the importance of a drug-free life. Reaching 10 government schools has been a meaningful step towards nurturing young readers and responsible citizens.”

Mrs. Neelam Bansal, Library Incharge, T.S. Central State Library, emphasised, “Libraries play a vital role in shaping young minds. By combining reading promotion with creative awareness activities, we can inspire children to make positive choices and contribute towards building a healthy, drug-free society.”

The initiative reaffirmed T.S. Central State Library’s commitment to promoting reading, extending library services to schoolchildren, and supporting the vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat through education and community engagement