Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: The Narcotics Control Bureau today observed its 41st Raising Day, marking over four decades of dedicated service in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse in the country. To commemorate the day, nationwide youth mobilisation programmes for a Drug-Free India were organised at around 40 places including Delhi, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Raipur, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Ranchi, Bangalore, Chennai and Agartala.
Anti-drug pledges, awareness addresses, rallies and heritage walks were organised focused on preventing substance abuse, promoting a drug-free lifestyle, strengthening institutional partnerships, and directly engaging with youth. The day-long events covered the health, psychological, social and legal consequences of drug abuse, along with preventive strategies, early warning signs, recovery pathways and available support systems. During the events, youth were sensitized about the ill effects of drug abuse, its social and legal implications, and the importance of making informed healthy life choices. Students and teachers were urged to remain vigilant and actively promote the NCB MANAS Helpline -1933 for sharing information and seeking assistance related to drug abuse and trafficking.
At a programme at Sri Venkateswara College in Delhi a large number of students took a pledge against drug abuse. Fitness icon Sh. Ankit Bayanpuriya spoke in detail about the benefits of health and fitness, inspiring students to stay away from drugs.
In Jodhpur, under the aegis of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, a grand heritage walk, joined by around 400 participants, was organised at the iconic Ghanta Ghar to raise public awareness against the menace of drug abuse and promote a healthier lifestyle. In Chandigarh, an awareness programme was organised at the Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management, with the participation of around 250 students and representatives from the Art of Living Foundation. A pledge against drug abuse was also administered. A meditation session, in collaboration with Sri Ramchandra Mission, was also organised at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu to mark the occasion.
Around 5000 students participated in a walkathon and awareness programme at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital in Bangalore. The programme featured a walkathon against drug abuse, followed by an awareness session on the ill effects of drug consumption.Two such events were organised in Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts of Tamil Nadu, with the participation of around 2,500 students.
MANAS Helpline – 1933 was promoted among students at an event organised at NSHM Durgapur, West Bengal. A three-day special training session for NCB officers also commenced in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University to mark the day. In Patna, NCB highlighted the message “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life” during an event at B. S. College, with the participation of around 150 students, reinforcing a strong call for a drug-free society. Awareness programmes at St. Xavier’s School, Doranda and Gossner College, Ranchi were organised engaging nearly 800 students under “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan” to promote a drug-free future.
During an event in Ahmedabad, the importance of community participation in tackling the drug menace was emphasised. An e-pledge against drug abuse was also administered to all participants, reaffirming their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle and society, while also promoting the MANAS Helpline -1933. Around 1,000 students in Kharghar, Mumbai were sensitised to the effects of drug abuse.
At an event in Agartala, International Gymnast Ms Dipa Karmakar participated and spoke about the importance of fitness and the ill effects of drugs. Around 400 students were sensitised to the effects of drug abuse at Manipur University, with participation from noted bodybuilder Arambam Boby.
Similar programmes reaffirming NCB’s commitment to a Drug-Free India were organised in other cities also.
