Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday called for a whole-of-society approach to eliminate substance abuse, urging educational institutions, families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies and civil society to work together to build a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Addressing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Conclave, organised by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in association with the Narcotics Control Bureau and Disha Bodh Foundation during the university’s 31st Foundation Day celebrations at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the Vice President said the fight against drugs must begin with individuals and grow into a nationwide movement.
Describing substance abuse as a threat not only to individual health but also to educational attainment, productivity, social cohesion and national development, the Vice President said a “Nasha Mukt Bharat” is not merely the absence of drugs but the presence of healthy choices, informed decisions, supportive families and resilient communities. He stressed that individuals must remain in control of their minds, warning that when drugs take control, people lose control over their lives.
Expressing happiness over the large number of students who pledged to make Bengaluru, Karnataka and eventually India drug-free, V-P Radhakrishnan said every young life lost to addiction represents a loss of national potential. He urged students, particularly future doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, researchers and public health professionals, to become ambassadors of awareness and play a leading role in prevention, treatment, research and evidence-based policymaking to tackle substance abuse.
The Vice President also called for greater research in addiction medicine, mental health, behavioural sciences and community-based interventions, saying evidence must guide action and research should shape policy. He underlined the importance of leveraging technology, counselling services and peer support networks in addressing substance use disorders.
Congratulating RGUHS on its 31st Foundation Day, V-P Radhakrishnan praised the university for its contribution to health education, research and public health, and for producing generations of healthcare professionals. He also highlighted his continued advocacy for drug-free educational institutions, noting that as Chancellor of three Central Universities, he has consistently promoted drug-free campuses.
Referring to the Drug-Free Campus Campaign and e-pledge platform launched at the University of Delhi earlier this year, the V-P said the initiative has helped create a drug-free campus environment.
On the occasion, the Vice President administered polio vaccine drops to infants as part of the National Pulse Polio Drive in Karnataka and honoured former Vice-Chancellors of RGUHS for their contributions to the university’s growth. Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice (Retd.) Syed Abdul Nazeer, Karnataka Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharan Prakash R. Patil, Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader Fareed, RGUHS Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bhagavan and other dignitaries were present at the event.
