‘No to Drugs’ Must Become a Nationwide Movement: VP
C.P. Radhakrishnan calls for a whole-of-society approach to build a drug-free India at Bengaluru conclave
GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 29th June: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday called for a whole-of-society approach to eliminate substance abuse, urging educational institutions, families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies and civil society to work together towards building a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Addressing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Conclave, organised by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in association with the Narcotics Control Bureau and Disha Bodh Foundation during the university’s 31st Foundation Day celebrations, the Vice-President said the fight against drugs must begin with individuals and grow into a nationwide movement.
Emphasising that substance abuse threatens not only individual health but also education, productivity and national development, he said every young life lost to addiction represents a loss of the nation’s potential.
Radhakrishnan urged students, particularly future doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists and public health professionals, to become ambassadors of awareness and contribute to prevention, treatment, research and evidence-based policymaking.
Calling for increased research in addiction medicine, mental health and behavioural sciences, he said scientific evidence must guide policy while technology, counselling services and peer support networks should be leveraged to tackle substance abuse effectively.
Highlighting his focus on drug-free educational institutions, the Vice-President referred to the Drug-Free Campus Campaign and e-pledge initiative launched earlier this year at the University of Delhi, expressing satisfaction over its positive impact.
On the occasion, he administered Pulse Polio vaccine drops to infants under the National Pulse Polio Drive and honoured former Vice-Chancellors of RGUHS for their contributions to the institution’s growth.
The event was attended by Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice (Retd.) Syed Abdul Nazeer, Karnataka Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharan Prakash R. Patil, Health Minister U.T. Khader Fareed and other dignitaries.
