Telangana’s drug-free target for 2029 announced by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla
Hyderabad: Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Wednesday called for a statewide movement against drug abuse, setting a drug-free target for 2029. Addressing a Nasha Mukt Bharat awareness programme at Osmania University’s Tagore Auditorium, the Governor urged students and young people to reject drugs. He also called on them to help build a healthier society.
The Telangana branch of the Indian Red Cross Society and Osmania University’s NSS Cell jointly organised the programme. Shukla announced a 60-day statewide anti-drug awareness campaign from November 14 to January 12. He directed attention towards educational institutions, urging them to conduct rallies, seminars, counselling sessions and exhibitions.
Additionally, the Governor proposed making anti-drug pledges compulsory during admissions to schools and colleges.
Drug-free target for 2029 requires statewide participation
The Governor stressed that people struggling with drug addiction needed medical treatment, counselling and support from their families. He urged society to avoid stigmatising individuals affected by addiction. Instead, he emphasised that efforts should focus on combating drugs rather than targeting people who needed help.
Shukla highlighted the expanding presence of the Indian Red Cross Society across Telangana. He said its membership had crossed 1.28 lakh, while registrations under the Junior Red Cross and Youth Red Cross exceeded 16 lakh.
The Governor also highlighted the message, “Say no to drugs and yes to life”, during his address. He expressed confidence that collective efforts could help Telangana achieve its drug-free target for 2029. Such efforts, he said, would also enable young people to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Governor launches anti-drug activities at Osmania University
Following his address, Shukla administered an anti-drug pledge to participants at the programme. He also unveiled awareness posters and stickers to promote the campaign against substance abuse.
Additionally, the Governor inaugurated a blood donation camp and flagged off an awareness rally at Osmania University. Students, National Service Scheme volunteers and Indian Red Cross Society members participated in the rally.
Special Chief Secretary to the Governor M. Dana Kishore and Osmania University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kumar Molugaram attended the programme. Other officials also participated. Meanwhile, similar anti-drug awareness activities took place across Telangana’s 33 districts as part of the statewide initiative.
Fuel Your Dreams, Not Your Addiction! : Hon’ble Governor shri Shiv Pratap Shukla
The Hon’ble Governor of Telangana, Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, participated as the Chief Guest at the awareness programme “Nasha Mukt Bharat – Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat 2047” at Osmania University, Hyderabad.
The Governor urged students and youth to stay away from drugs and called for collective efforts to transform Telangana into a drug-free State by 2029.
He proposed making anti-drug pledges mandatory at the time of admission to educational institutions and announced a 60-day special awareness campaign from Children’s Day (November 14) to National Youth Day (January 12).
Under the aegis of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), anti-drug awareness rallies and programmes will be organised across all 33 districts of Telangana. From the platform at Osmania University, the Governor administered an anti-drug pledge to students, youth and IRCS members representing all 33 districts, calling for the transformation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat mission into a statewide people’s movement.
Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life!
Healthy Youth | Drug-Free Telangana | Viksit Bharat 2047
#NashaMuktBharat #DrugFreeTelangana #NashaMuktYuva #ViksitBharat2047 #OsmaniaUniversity #IRCS #Telangana33Districts— Governor of Telangana (@tg_governor) October 28, 2026