“Quit Drugs, Reconnect with Life” — Students Pledge to Build a Healthy and Drug-Free Society
A Drug De-Addiction Awareness Programme was organized on Wednesday at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium of Sona Devi University, Ghatsila, under the leadership of the Prahari Cell. The primary objective of the programme was to create awareness among students and youth about the harmful effects of drug abuse and to encourage them to adopt a healthy lifestyle and engage in positive thinking, education, skill development, sports, and creative activities.
The programme was conducted by Dr. Shiv Chandra Jha, Head of the Department of Political Science. Introducing the theme of the programme, Dr. Jha said, “Drug abuse not only affects an individual’s health but also has a profound impact on the future of the entire family and society. Keeping young people away from drugs is the collective responsibility of all of us.”
He emphasized that merely creating awareness is not enough to keep young people away from drugs; it is equally important to connect them with education, sports, skill development, values, creative activities, and positive thinking. Addressing the students, he said, “We will not consume drugs, we will not promote drug use, and we will not leave any friend alone if we see them moving towards substance abuse.”
Dr. Jha further stated, “Youth are not only the future of the nation but also its present strength. Therefore, it is the responsibility of young people to stay away from drugs, help others stay away from them, and channel their energy towards education, skills, service, and nation-building.” He called upon all students to pledge themselves to building a drug-free society and a healthy, empowered, and aware generation of youth.
Music and Theatrical Performance Deliver the Message of De-Addiction
During the programme, Mr. Krishnendu Dutta, Head of the Department of Mathematics, presented an inspiring message on drug de-addiction through music. His performance encouraged students to adopt a positive lifestyle and stay away from the social evil of drug abuse.
On the occasion, university students presented a play highlighting the harmful consequences of drug abuse in an impactful manner. Through the performance, the students conveyed the message that drug abuse affects not only an individual’s health but also their family, education, career, and social life. The students’ performance was appreciated by everyone present.
In his brief address, Mr. Kundan Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce and Management, said that youth is an important stage of life for building one’s future. Choosing the right direction and the right company during this period helps build a strong future. He urged students to stay away from drugs and remain focused on their goals.
“De-Addiction Begins with Oneself” — Assistant Registrar
Assistant Registrar Mrs. Archana Singh said that the journey towards a drug-free life begins with oneself. If young people become aware and responsible themselves, they can bring positive change to their families, friends, and society. She appealed to students to adopt discipline, self-control, and a healthy lifestyle.
“Education, Values and a Healthy Life Are Equally Important” — Registrar
Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana said that the objective of the university is not merely to provide degrees to students but also to develop them into responsible, sensitive, and aware citizens. She encouraged students to stay away from drugs and channel their energy towards education, research, sports, innovation, and social service. She emphasized that students’ active participation is essential for creating a drug-free campus.
“It Is Our Collective Responsibility to Guide Youth Power in the Right Direction” — Vice-Chancellor
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Braj Mohan Pat Pingua said that the youth are an important strength of any society and nation. If their energy is channelled in a positive direction, they can bring constructive changes to society. He urged students to completely stay away from drugs, remain committed to their life goals, and adopt a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.
“A Drug-Free Society Is Not Merely a Campaign but a Collective Pledge” — Chancellor
In his inspiring message, Chancellor Mr. Prabhakar Singh said, “Building a drug-free society is not merely a campaign; it is our collective responsibility and social commitment. Youth are the greatest strength of any nation.”
He stated that in order to keep young people away from drugs, it is essential to connect them with education, skills, sports, values, and creative activities. Freedom from drug abuse does not merely transform the life of an individual; it also safeguards the future of the entire family and society.
Mr. Singh urged students to stay away from drugs themselves and inspire their friends and society to embrace a drug-free lifestyle. He said that Sona Devi University would continue to advance its commitment towards students’ character building, social responsibility, and healthy lifestyle alongside education.
He called upon students to help build a generation of young people who establish their identity not through drugs, but through knowledge, talent, values, hard work, and their dreams.
The Chancellor conveyed the message:
“Quit Drugs, Reconnect with Life;
Drug-Free Youth — A Strong Society and a Prosperous Nation.”
He appealed to all students and members of the university community to actively contribute to the creation of a drug-free society.
Vote of Thanks
At the conclusion of the programme, Mrs. Patatri Mali of the Prahari Cell delivered the vote of thanks. She expressed her gratitude to the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, university officials, Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, staff, and students for their support in making the programme successful.
She said that the message of de-addiction should not remain limited to the programme alone, but should be adopted by every student as a way of life and reflected in their conduct within society.
Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, staff, and a large number of students were present at the programme. Throughout the event, the message of a drug-free life, positive thinking, and channelizing youth power towards nation-building remained at the forefront.
