Assam Governor launches Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padayatra from Cachar
Initiative inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free India: Governor
Guwahati ,Rongili Barta: Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya today formally launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padayatra from Nehru College, in Pailapool, Cachar, as part of a statewide initiative to cover 10 districts of Assam and spread awareness against drug abuse.
Inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a drug-free India, the Padayatra will continue until October 2, seeking to mobilise people from all sections of society, especially the youth, in the collective endeavour to build a healthy, empowered and drug-free Assam.
Speaking at a public meeting at Nehru College in Silchar, the Governor said that the campaign was closely connected with the future of the youth, the happiness of families and the safety of society. He said that a drug-free India and a drug-free Assam can be achieved only through collective responsibility and sustained public participation.
The Governor observed that the enthusiastic participation of students, youth and people from different sections of society has given the Padayatra the character and magnitude of a people’s movement. He expressed confidence that the message of awareness emerging from Cachar, a district known for its rich cultural heritage and enterprising people, would inspire communities across Assam to create a deterrent against substance abuse.
Highlighting the importance of safeguarding the younger generation, Shri Acharya said that drug abuse can adversely affect an individual’s health, education, employment, family life and future. He stressed the need for timely intervention through awareness, dialogue, counselling and positive engagement, rather than waiting for the problem to assume serious proportions.
Calling upon the youth to channelise their energy and creativity towards constructive pursuits, the Governor encouraged them to embrace education, sports, yoga, arts, skill development, innovation and community service. He asked them to stay away from drugs and inspire their friends and companions to do the same. He also underscored the important role of educational institutions, teachers, parents and youth organisations in making drug prevention a regular part of public awareness and guidance. He said that sports, cultural activities, NCC, NSS and other constructive engagements can provide young people with a sense of purpose and direction and urged them to increasingly engage themselves in such vocations.
Reiterating the need for a comprehensive approach, Shri Acharya said that firm enforcement against illegal drug trafficking must be accompanied by compassion and sensitivity towards those affected by addiction. He emphasised the importance of treatment, counselling and rehabilitation to help them return to the mainstream of society. The Governor also appreciated the Cachar District administration’s efforts in tackling drug trafficking.
Urging citizens not to restrict the campaign to the day’s programme, he called upon them to carry the message to the villages, neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces and families. He acknowledged the contribution of social organisations, volunteers, teachers, students and youth groups for their participation in advancing the collective resolve for a drug-free society.
The Governor also felicitated NGOs and selected individuals for outstanding contribution towards prevention and control of substance abuse.
After the public meeting, the Governor paid floral tributes to the Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in the campus of Nehru College before commencing the Padayatra. The awareness march culminated at Pailapool Chowk, where students, teachers, members of civil society, officials and others participated. More than 2,000 people participated in the Padayatra, reaffirming their commitment to the cause of Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp.
Food, Public Distribution & Consumer Affairs etc. Minister Kaushik Rai, Cachar District Commissioner Rahul Kumar Gupta, Senior Superintendent of Police Partha Pratim Das, Sub-Divisional Officer Dhrubajyoti Pathak, Principal of Nehru College Dr. L. Bharati Singh and other dignitaries were present at the meeting.
Earlier in the day, on his arrival at Cachar, the Governor felicitated 108-year-old Sunila Das, a resident of Lakhipur, under the Governor Assam Varishtha Nagrik Samman initiative, recognising her long life and honouring her as a respected senior citizen. The Governor felicitated her with a traditional Assamese gamosa, a cheque of Rs. 51,000, a saree, a shawl, an umbrella and a basket of fruits.