PASIGHAT : Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, on Sunday observed Nasha Mukt Bharat with a special programme on campus, emphasising the role of educational institutions and teachers in building a drug-free society.
Welcoming the gathering, Assistant Registrar (Academics) Likha Rinchin outlined the objectives of the campaign and stressed that a drug-free nation begins with drug-free campuses. He said universities have a vital responsibility to guide young minds away from substance abuse and called for coordinated efforts involving the administration, faculty, students and the wider community to combat the menace of drugs.
Dean of Academic Affairs Prof Jena said the campaign was more than an administrative initiative and represented a collective vision for an addiction-free society. Stressing the influential role of teachers, he urged the teaching community to actively sensitise students to the harmful effects of substance abuse both inside and outside the classroom.
He said teachers should consider themselves active stakeholders in creating a substance-abuse-free campus and added that self-awareness and self-discipline among individuals were essential for the success of the campaign. He also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to safeguarding the younger generation and contributing to a healthier society.
Anti-Tobacco Cell chairperson and Assistant Professor of Social Work Ngurang Mana administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge to students, faculty and staff, who vowed to remain free from drugs and tobacco and discourage their use on campus.
Addressing the gathering, Mana reiterated that APU is a tobacco-free campus and urged students to refrain from using tobacco or other substances anywhere on the university premises. She warned that violations of the university’s tobacco-free and drug-free policies would invite strict disciplinary action while encouraging students to act as peer motivators in spreading awareness.
Assistant Professor of Commerce Dr Yab Rajiv Camdir encouraged students to channel their energy into academics, sports and healthy pursuits. He said discipline was the key to both academic success and avoiding harmful habits, urging students to remain focused on constructive goals.
The programme also featured the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan through video conferencing.
The campaign, spearheaded by MY Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, marks the launch of a 100-week nationwide Jan Bhagidari initiative against substance abuse, with weekly awareness activities to be organised every Sunday across the country.
In his address, the Prime Minister described the campaign as a movement for individuals, families and society, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a developed India with a healthy, mentally strong and addiction-free younger generation.
Among those present were Registrar Narmi Darang, Dean of Student Welfare Dr Eli Doye, Assistant Registrar (Finance) Anil Nangkar, heads of departments, faculty members, staff, students and research scholars.
