Chandigarh, October 25 - Protecting the youth from drug abuse and engaging them in nation-building are essential to realizing Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047. Drug abuse poses a serious threat to society, and combating this menace requires collective efforts by teachers, students and all sections of society. The creation of a drug-free India must become a mass movement. This was stated by Haryana Governor and Chancellor of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rothak Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, while flagging off an anti-drug awareness rally organized by the NSS Cell at MDU, Rohtak, on Sunday.

Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh said that the goal of a developed India could be achieved only when the country’s youth are healthy, aware and free from drug abuse. The energy, talent and potential of young people must be channelled towards nation-building and the overall development of the country. He emphasized the need to create awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encourage young people to actively engage with social issues. Haryana’s First Lady, Smt. Mitra Ghosh, also graced the occasion.

A total of 172 outstanding NSS volunteers from nine states - Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana -participated in the rally. The volunteers are attending the National Integration Camp at MDU and, dressed in their traditional attire, conveyed a strong message against drug abuse while promoting awareness and social responsibility.

MDU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Milap Poonia underscored the importance of collective efforts to create a drug-free environment for a healthy society. NSS Programme Coordinator Prof. Savita Rathi, in her welcome address, briefed the gathering about the National Integration Camp. The proceedings were conducted by Prof. Divya Malhan.

Among those present on the occasion were Prof. Randeep Rana, Dean, Academic Affairs; Prof. Sandeep Bansal, Registrar; Mrs. Rakhi Bansal, Dean, College Development Council; Prof. Rajesh Poonia, Dean, Students’ Welfare; Prof. Sapna Garg, Director, Sports; Kultaj Singh, Director, Campus Forestry; Prof. Surendra Yadav, Director, Youth Welfare; Dr. Pratap Rathi, Faculty House In-charge Dr. Sanjeev Kumar; and NSS Deputy Director Prof. Anju Panwar, along with NSS Programme Officers, volunteers and their in-charges.