Srinagar, Aug 2 (KNO): The University of Kashmir on Sunday joined the nationwide ‘GenZ Against Addiction – Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, with students, faculty members and NSS volunteers taking the Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge and participating in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual address, reaffirming their commitment to building a drug-free society.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said that while presiding over the programme, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan complimented the Department of Students’ Welfare for its sustained efforts in taking awareness programmes beyond the University campus over the past several months.
The spokesperson said she noted that the department had organised a series of activities at the university, college and community levels, ensuring that the message of youth empowerment and social responsibility reached a wider audience.
Referring to the nationwide campaign, the Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message would inspire young people across the country to take the fight against drug abuse as a collective mission, the spokesperson said.
He said the Vice-Chancellor stressed that the responsibility of building a Nasha Mukt Bharat rests with every citizen, particularly the youth, and expressed hope that students would carry the message to their families, friends and communities.
The spokesperson said she also appreciated the collective efforts of everyone associated with the programme and thanked the Department of Students' Welfare, faculty members, officers, wardens, NSS volunteers, the University Health Centre, the technical team from IT&SS and the students for their wholehearted participation.
He said the programme began with a prayer, followed by a welcome address by Dean Students’ Welfare Prof. Seema Singh, who welcomed the dignitaries, faculty members and students. She said educational institutions have a crucial role in creating awareness among young people and encouraging them to adopt healthy lifestyles.
The programme was coordinated by Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal, while the proceedings were conducted by University Cultural Officer Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, the spokesperson said.
During the programme, all participants took the Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge, administered by the Vice-Chancellor, reaffirming their commitment to remain free from intoxicating substances and spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
The spokesperson said participants later joined the live virtual address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called upon the youth to lead a nationwide movement against drug abuse.
Describing the campaign as a Jan Andolan (People’s Movement), the Prime Minister said the fight against addiction cannot be won by the government alone and requires the active participation of young people, families, educational institutions and society at large.
He said addiction not only destroys individuals but also affects families and weakens the nation. Calling upon the youth to become ambassadors of a Nasha Mukt Bharat, the Prime Minister urged them to spread awareness in their homes, educational institutions and communities and inspire others to choose a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
He also expressed confidence that the energy and commitment of India's youth would play a decisive role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Among others, the programme was attended by Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, Dean, School of Arts, Languages and Literature; Prof. Wahid Nasrullah, Director, Centre of Central Asian Studies; Prof. Imtiyaz Ahmad, Chief Proctor; Dr. Fayaz Ahmad, University Librarian; Prof. Mehraj-ud-Din, Head, Department of Sanskrit; Dr. Waqar Ahmad, NSS Coordinator; Dr. Suraya, Medical Officer, University Health Centre; Dr. Sheikh Ghulam Ahmad, Director, North Campus; wardens of the university hostels, faculty members, NSS volunteers, students from various teaching departments, residents of the university and students of the 24×7.
The spokesperson added that the programme concluded with a vote of thanks and a collective resolve by students, faculty members and university officers to carry forward the message of a drug-free society and contribute towards the vision of “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat.”
He said the nationwide campaign witnessed participation at more than 10,000 locations across the country, with over one crore youth joining the movement by taking the Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge through the MY Bharat platform, making it one of the country’s largest youth-led initiatives against substance abuse.—(KNO)