Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Sunday urged the youth to become the driving force behind the nation’s fight against drug abuse, saying that a healthy, disciplined and responsible young generation is essential for realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Addressing the ‘Drug-Free Youth Awareness and Youth Empowerment Campaign for a Viksit Bharat’ at Kalinga Stadium here, the Governor said the future of India would be shaped not only by government policies and infrastructure but also by the values, character and sense of responsibility of its youth.
The Governor said the nationwide campaign, launched virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflects the country’s collective resolve to build a healthy, confident and drug-free India. Commending the Prime Minister’s leadership, he said the ‘Nasha Mukta Bharat’ initiative recognises the youth as the nation’s greatest strength and places them at the centre of India’s development journey.
Warning against the growing menace of substance abuse, Dr. Kambhampati said addiction silently destroys the dreams and aspirations of young people, weakens their ability to make sound decisions and deprives them of opportunities for a brighter future. He said drug abuse not only affects individuals but also causes emotional and financial distress to families while weakening society and the nation.
Describing the fight against addiction as a shared responsibility, the Governor called upon parents, teachers, educational institutions and society to work together in creating a drug-free environment. He urged young people to embrace sports, fitness, yoga, culture, innovation and volunteerism as positive alternatives to substance abuse.
Highlighting Odisha’s achievements in sports, the Governor appealed to the youth to choose sports over addiction, education over substance abuse and social service over self-destruction. He also urged them to become ambassadors of the campaign by spreading awareness and encouraging others to remain drug-free.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also addressed the gathering, described the youth and the ‘Gen-Z’ generation as key stakeholders in building a developed India by 2047. He said drug addiction is not merely a health issue but a major impediment to social and economic progress.
Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to combating the drug menace, the Chief Minister said Odisha follows a zero-tolerance policy against the illegal drug trade and drug syndicates. Calling for a united effort, he appealed to educational institutions, industries, private organisations, volunteers and the media to transform the anti-drug campaign into a mass movement under the slogan, “No to Drugs, Yes to Life and Progress.”
Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Higher Education, Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj, also addressed the programme and appealed to the youth to actively participate in the national campaign for a drug-free India.
The programme concluded with Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati administering the ‘Nasha Mukti Yuva–Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ pledge to all participants, reaffirming their commitment to building a drug-free society.
