Telangana Governor urges youth to lead anti-drug campaign

Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla flagging off the anti-drug rally during the Nasha Mukt Bharat awareness programme at Osmania University, Hyderabad, on Wednesday.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Wednesday administered an anti-drug abuse pledge to around 1,200 National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, including those participating virtually from all districts, and called for collective efforts to achieve a drug-free Telangana and India by 2029.

Addressing the gathering in Telugu at Tagore Auditorium, Osmania University, Mr. Shukla urged the youth to make responsible choices, resist substance abuse and actively participate in the campaign to build a healthier society.

The programme was organised under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat @2047 initiatives. NSS volunteers, representatives of the Indian Red Cross Society, students and faculty members participated in the event.

Vice-Chancellor Kumar Molugaram, addressing the gathering, said drug abuse poses a serious threat to individual health, education, careers, families and the future of the younger generation. He called upon NSS officers to guide students towards healthy lifestyles and make drug abuse prevention a sustained initiative on campuses and in communities.

Special Chief Secretary M. Dana Kishore, who is also the chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society (Telangana), highlighted the importance of constitutional duties and social responsibility.

Later, the Governor, accompanied by senior officials, flagged off an anti-drug rally that proceeded from Tagore Auditorium towards the College of Arts and Social Sciences. The rally emphasised the need for sustained public awareness, youth leadership and community participation in the fight against substance abuse.

Joint Secretary K. Shashikiranachary, Indian Red Cross Society General Secretary and CEO A. Sriramulu, and Registrar G. Naresh Reddy were present.