SHIV KUMAR SHARMA
Karnal— A district-level programme under the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the MY Bharat initiative, was held at the Mini Secretariat auditorium on Sunday, where youth pledged to lead a drug-free life and promote awareness against substance abuse.
Karnal MLA Jagmohan Anand attended the event as the chief guest in the presence of Mayor Renu Bala Gupta and Deputy Commissioner Dr Anand Kumar Sharma. District Youth Officer Anjali Chaudhary welcomed the dignitaries and presented them with mementoes.
Participants also watched Prime Minister Narendra Modi's virtual address to youth across the country. During the address, the Prime Minister launched a 100-week nationwide campaign of community-based activities to be held every Sunday to promote drug de-addiction and social responsibility among young people.
Administering the anti-drug pledge, Anand urged the youth to refrain from consuming narcotic substances in any form and to encourage others to stay away from drugs. He called upon them to spread awareness among family members, friends and the wider community, while upholding healthy values and contributing to the vision of a drug-free and developed India.
Speaking to the media, Anand said the campaign aims to transform the goal of a drug-free India into a people's movement by encouraging active youth participation. He said promoting a healthy and responsible lifestyle among young people would contribute to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Mayor Renu Bala Gupta described the campaign as a commendable initiative to steer youth away from substance abuse and towards sports and constructive activities. She expressed confidence that the programme would strengthen public awareness against drug abuse and send a strong message that the youth of Karnal are committed to building a drug-free and developed India.
Referring to India's recent sporting achievements, the Mayor noted that Haryana athletes had won seven of the country's 13 gold medals at an international event and congratulated the medal winners.
District Youth Officer Anjali Chaudhary said another district-level programme under the campaign will be organised on August 3 at Pt Chiranji Lal Sharma Government College. Students, volunteers, NSS units, youth clubs and representatives of various departments will participate in activities including an anti-drug pledge, awareness sessions, cultural performances and competitions such as music, dance, street plays, debates, painting, slam poetry, reel-making, short film production and slogan writing. Winners will represent Karnal at the state level.
Among those present were Municipal Corporation Assistant Commissioner Ashok Kumar, District Sports Officer Satyavir, MY Bharat District Advisory Committee member Pradeep Kashyap, councillors Amrit Lal Joshi and Sudhir Yadav, Joginder Sharma, councillor representative Sonu, nominated councillor Vishesh Verma and several youth participants.