NEW DELHI, Jan 13: In a major push to safeguard India’s “demographic dividend,” the Vice-President of India C P Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the Drug Free Campus Campaign at the University of Delhi on Tuesday.
The initiative marks a significant step in the Government’s mission to eliminate substance abuse from educational institutions, framing the fight against drugs as a cornerstone of building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Addressing a gathering of students, faculty, and policymakers, Vice-President Radhakrishnan emphasized that universities are the forge where the nation’s future is shaped. He remarked that substance abuse is no longer just a personal struggle but a systemic threat to national security and economic productivity.
“Strong nations require strong leadership. Universities are not merely centers of academic learning but institutions where values are shaped and leadership is nurtured. When a premier institution like the University of Delhi takes a firm stand, it sends a powerful message to the entire society,” he said.
The Vice-President further warned of the “narco-terrorism” links associated with the drug trade, urging students to choose character and self-discipline over the temporary lures of addiction.
To formalize the movement, the Vice-President launched two key digital assets under the Nasha Mukt Parisar Abhiyaan including:
E-Pledge Platform: A dedicated portal (pledge.du.ac.in) for students to commit to a drug-free lifestyle.
Mobile Application: A tool designed to facilitate reporting, awareness, and peer support.
Radhakrishnan also called upon union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who was in attendance, to ensure this campaign becomes an integral mandate for all Central Higher Educational Institutions across the country.
The campaign aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which prioritizes student well-being and mental health. The Vice-President noted that India’s cultural heritage-specifically yoga and meditation-offers the “mental balance and purity” needed to combat the pressures that often lead to drug use.
He also referred to several national initiatives aimed at positively engaging youth, including the MY Bharat Portal, which channels young people’s energy into volunteering, and the PM Anusandhan Yojana, designed to promote research and innovation. Additionally, he noted that the promotion of yoga and meditation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has played a key role in strengthening mental resilience among the youth.
Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, Yogesh Singh, and other dignitaries were commended for integrating counseling and student-led awareness programs into the university’s fabric.
“A drug-free youth is better equipped to acquire skills, promote entrepreneurship, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth,” the Vice-President further said, expressing his confidence that Delhi University will serve as the gold standard for campuses nationwide.
The event saw participation from high-ranking officials, including Delhi’s Education Minister Ashish Sood, and thousands of students who took the inaugural e-pledge. (UNI)
The post VP Radhakrishnan launches nationwide ‘Drug-Free Campus’ drive appeared first on Daily Excelsior.