Srinagar, Aug 02: Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a ‘Nasha Mukt Viksit Bharat’, dozens of students, including NSS volunteers and NCC cadets, of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Sunday participated in a series of anti-drug awareness activities, including a pledge ceremony, a campus-wide awareness rally and a live screening of the Prime Minister’s address, reaffirming their commitment to building a drug-free and developed India.

The programme commenced at the Institute’s main campus ground with a solemn pledge against substance abuse. Students, faculty members and staff pledged to remain free from drugs and work collectively to spread awareness about the harmful effects of addiction while extending support to those struggling with substance abuse.

The event was attended by Registrar, Prof. (Dr.) Atikur Rehman, Dean Planning and Development, Dr. Yashwant Mehta, Associate Dean Alumni Affairs, Dr. H.S. Pali, NSS Coordinator, Dr. Pramod Kumar Yadav, NCC Coordinator, Lt. (Dr.) Nitika Kundan, Sports Coordinator, Student Gymkhana, Dr. Pankaj Kumar, along with event coordinators Dr. Jitendra Gurjar and Dr. Vijay Kumar.

Addressing the gathering, Registrar Prof. (Dr.) Atikur Rehman said that the youth are the nation’s greatest strength and educational institutions have a crucial responsibility in shaping responsible citizens with strong moral values.

“A developed India can only be built by a healthy, disciplined and aware youth. Every student must become an ambassador of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ campaign by staying away from drugs and motivating others to lead healthy and productive lives. Educational institutions must not only impart quality education but also nurture character, responsibility and social consciousness,” he said.

Following the pledge ceremony, a massive awareness rally was organised across the campus under the banner of the Nasha Mukt Viksit Bharat Abhiyan.

Led by the NSS, NCC and Student Gymkhana teams, students marched through the campus carrying banners, placards and hand-painted charts highlighting the dangers of drug abuse.

The participants raised slogans promoting a drug-free society and a healthy lifestyle as the rally passed through various academic and residential blocks of the campus, drawing the attention of students, faculty members and staff and encouraging them to join the nationwide campaign.

Speaking after the programme, Dr. Pramod Kumar Yadav and Lt. (Dr.) Nitika Kundan said the overwhelming participation of students reflected their commitment to social responsibility and their determination to contribute towards a drug-free India.

They said the enthusiasm displayed by the NSS volunteers and NCC cadets during the awareness rally demonstrated that young people are ready to play a leading role in bringing about positive social change.

Later, students, faculty and staff assembled to watch the live address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who interacted with students from educational institutions across the country as part of the Nasha Mukt Viksit Bharat Abhiyan. During his address, the Prime Minister stressed that the dream of a Viksit Bharat can only be realised through healthy, empowered and drug-free youth.

He called upon educational institutions, students and society at large to actively participate in eliminating the menace of substance abuse and fostering a culture of awareness, compassion and responsibility.

The coordinators appreciated the active participation of students in the pledge ceremony, awareness rally and interaction session, expressing confidence that the campaign would inspire young people to carry the message of drug de-addiction beyond the campus and into their communities.

The programme concluded with students reaffirming their commitment to supporting the Nasha Mukt Viksit Bharat Abhiyan and resolving to continue awareness initiatives through NSS, NCC and Student Gymkhana activities, reinforcing NIT Srinagar’s commitment to promoting a healthy, responsible and drug-free campus culture.