GUWAHATI, OCT 2:

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Friday highlighted the role of youth in fighting drug menace, as a special ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padayatra’ led by him in different parts of the state concluded in Guwahati.

The padayatra, which began on September 17 in Cachar, covered 10 districts, including Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Dhubri, Barpeta, Hojai, Kamrup and Kamrup (Metropolitan), carrying the message of ill effects of substance abuse by generating awareness and collective responsibility in the fight against drugs.

Addressing a meeting on the occasion, the governor said that the padayatra was not just a journey of public awareness; it was a collective resolve towards building a healthy, value-based and empowered society.

Highlighting the importance of the youth in the fight against drug abuse, he said healthy and value-based youth are the foundation of a healthy and developed society.

He called upon parents, teachers, social organisations, religious and spiritual institutions, police, civil administration, media and young people to work together to prevent drug abuse.

“Healthy youth can build a healthy society. Value-based youth can build a value-based society. And aware and responsible youth can build a developed nation,” Acharya said.

Referring to the state’s development journey, he said the vision of a prosperous, healthy, educated, safe and skilled Assam can only be realised by strengthening the human resources and protecting its younger generation from the menace of drugs.

The governor appreciated the enthusiastic participation of students, NCC and NSS cadets, Scouts and Guides, women, armed forces and police personnel, social organisations and citizens in the padayatra.

Recalling the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, Acharya emphasised the importance of truth, self-restraint, cleanliness, discipline and service in building a strong society.

He also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary, recalling his ideals of simplicity, integrity, discipline and dedication to the nation.

The lives of both Gandhi and Shastri continue to inspire citizens to place duty, service and national interest above self, the governor added.

District commissioner Swapnil Paul administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp pledge to the participants, a Lok Bhavan release said. (Source: PTI)