Hyderabad: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Tuesday called on young people to lead efforts for a drug-free society and stay away from narcotic substances. He urged youth to channel their energy into education, sports, skill development, innovation and nation-building.
Shukla addressed an anti-drug awareness programme at the Bhoomareddy Convention Centre in Nizamabad. The event formed part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The Governor said the campaign, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, had developed into a broad-based people’s movement.
He said stringent legal action alone could not tackle drug abuse. Instead, sustained awareness and confidence-building among young people were also necessary. Moreover, Shukla stressed the importance of empowering youth to make informed choices and reject narcotic substances.
Drug-free society requires awareness and enforcement
The Governor appreciated the Telangana government’s EAGLE initiative and police efforts to prevent drug abuse. He also welcomed the formation of anti-drug committees in educational institutions. Similarly, he appreciated Prahari Clubs established to spread awareness among students.
Shukla stressed that authorities needed to prevent the availability of narcotics and other harmful substances around educational institutions. At the same time, he called for expanded treatment, counselling and rehabilitation services for people affected by drug abuse.
The Governor said protecting young people required a combination of enforcement, prevention, awareness and support. “The energy, talent and dreams of our youth are the greatest assets of the nation. Under no circumstances should they be sacrificed to drugs,” Shukla told students.
He urged young people to protect their future by developing determination and self-discipline. Shukla recalled Swami Vivekananda’s call to “Arise, awake and stop not until the goal is reached.”
He asked students to draw inspiration from Vivekananda’s message while building the determination needed to resist drugs. The Governor said young people had a crucial role in creating a drug-free society. Therefore, he encouraged them to direct their abilities towards constructive activities and national development.
He also underlined the need for institutions and authorities to create an environment that helped students make informed decisions. According to Shukla, the fight against drug abuse required sustained public participation alongside law enforcement measures.
He said awareness initiatives in educational institutions could help students understand the risks associated with narcotics. Meanwhile, treatment and rehabilitation services remained important for people already affected by drug abuse.
Shukla urged youth to make education, sports, skills and innovation their priorities. He also called on them to contribute their talent and energy to nation-building rather than fall prey to drugs.