Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padayatra reaches Sribhumi; Assam Governor attends it : Governor calls for collective action to protect youth from substance abuse

Hills Live News, Guwahati, September 18: Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya today attended
the second-day of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padayatra in Sribhumi, carrying forward
the campaign that was launched by him yesterday at Cachar.
It may be noted that the Padayatra is being organised across 10 districts of Assam to
generate awareness against substance abuse and strengthen public participation in the
movement for a drug-free Assam.
Addressing a public gathering at the District Library, the Governor said that the
initiative draws inspiration from the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a
Nasha Mukt Bharat and a Viksit Bharat.
The Governor said that the second day of the Padayatra, at Sribhumi represented a
collective resolve for building a deterrent against drug abuse. He called upon people from
all sections of society to join the campaign and ensure that its message reaches every part of
Assam.
Recalling the literary and cultural significance of Sribhumi, the Governor said that
coming to this historic land naturally brings to mind Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and his
deep appreciation of the region. He said that while preserving its rich cultural heritage and
identity, Sribhumi is moving forward on a new journey of development. From this land, he
said, a renewed resolve must be initiated to build a healthy, empowered and drug-free
society.
Stressing the importance of protecting the youth, Shri Acharya said that substance
abuse not only harms individuals but also affects families and society. He called for creating
an environment in which young people have positive opportunities, strong family support
and the confidence to seek help when required.
“We must adopt firmness against trafficking networks and sensitivity towards young
people who have fallen into the trap of drug abuse”, the Governor said.
He reiterated that the fight against drugs requires the combined efforts of all
stakeholders like government, security agencies, educational institutions, civil society
organisations, parents, teachers and young people. While law-enforcement agencies have an

important role in checking trafficking and the supply of narcotic substances, sustained
public participation is essential for prevention and awareness.
The Governor also highlighted the importance of Yoga, meditation, sports and
constructive engagement in helping young people develop discipline, self-confidence and a
positive outlook. He said that India’s traditions have long emphasised self-control, balance
and a healthy way of life, and these values can provide a strong foundation for the campaign
against addiction.
He urged parents to maintain open communication with their children, understand
their concerns and identify early signs of substance abuse. He called upon teachers to
strengthen awareness among students and promote a culture of healthy living and
responsible choices.
Appealing to the youth, the Governor said, “Do not allow drugs to become a part of
your life. Pursue your dreams, set your identity, undertake hard and dedicate your life to
nation-building.”
Highlighting the strategic importance of Sribhumi as a border district, the Governor
said that the responsibility of the people and the administration in combating the trafficking
of narcotic substances becomes even more significant. He appreciated the efforts of the
administration and security agencies and called for continued cooperation between
enforcement agencies and the community.
The Governor said that the success of the campaign would depend on taking the
message beyond public events and into communities. “One young person should make
another young person aware; one family should inspire another family; and one village
should connect another village with the campaign for de-addiction,” he said.
Earlier, Sribhumi District Commissioner Pradip Kumar Dwivedi administered the
Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp pledge to the participants.
The Padayatra commenced from the District Library and culminated at Shiv Bari,
where the Governor paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. More than 1,000 people
participated in the awareness march, reaffirming their commitment to the cause of a drug-
free India and a drug-free Assam.
PHE Minister Krishnendu Paul, MP Kripanath Mallah, District Commissioner of
Sribhumi District Pradip Kumar Dwivedi , SSP Leena Doley, senior officers of the civil
administration and police, representatives of NGOs, students, teachers, social organisations
and a large number of citizens took part in the Padyatra.