Young people across Meghalaya joined the nationwide ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ on Sunday by taking a collective pledge to stay away from substance abuse and contribute towards building a drug-free India. The campaign was conducted simultaneously at around 28,000 locations across the country, with the participation of more than one crore youth through virtual platforms.
In Meghalaya, programmes were organised at the Lok Bhavan in Shillong and the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) campus in Ri-Bhoi. The events were connected virtually with the national launch of the campaign by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the important role of youth in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat and called for collective efforts from educational institutions, families and communities to create awareness against drug abuse.
Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar attended the programme at Lok Bhavan, which saw participation from students, faculty members and representatives of various higher educational institutions, including North-Eastern Hill University, IIM Shillong and Martin Luther Christian University, along with members of religious and spiritual organisations.
The programme concluded with a street play presented by winners of the state-level Nasha Mukti competition, highlighting the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of community participation.
At USTM, Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque and Vice-Chancellor Prof. G.D. Sharma participated in the event. Ri-Bhoi Additional Deputy Commissioner Nipon Hajong encouraged students to become ambassadors of the anti-drug movement and spread awareness in their communities. The initiative aims to sustain youth participation in creating a healthy and drug-free society.