Maharashtra Governor Leads HSNC University’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge on PM Modi’s Birthday

Maharashtra Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma addresses a jampacked auditorium after launching the NoToDrugsin portal amp administering the collective pledge to studentsSometimes the most powerful statement is just two letters ldquoNOrdquo At HSNC Universityrsquos Nasha Mukt Bharat programme that word rang out from a packed auditorium as students came together to take a collective pledge against drugabuse in the presence of Maharashtra Governor and HSNC University Chancellor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma The programme organised jointly by HSNC University and Lok Bhavan Mumbai also saw the launch of NoToDrugsin portal by Governor Shri VarmaThe programme was also graced by Mr Anil Harish Provost HSNC University Shri S Ramamoorthy IAS Joint Secretary to the Governor of Maharashtra Ms Seema Singh Founder Meghashrey Foundation Dr Sumedh Chavan Trustee Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Seva Bhavi Trust actor Ravi Dubey Dr Bhagwan Balani Registrar HSNC University and Prof Tejashree Shanbag Principal KC CollegeThe programme went beyond a conventional awareness campaign and opened up a more difficult conversation How does addiction begin Why do young people sometimes find it difficult to say no And what responsibility do we have when someone around us is already strugglingIn an address blending personal anecdotes with a direct message to the young audience Mr Anil Harish spoke about how addiction can sometimes begin almost casually with a friends suggestion curiosity a dare peer pressure or simply the reluctance to be the one person in a group who says no Drawing on examples of young people whose lives and families were devastated by addiction he underlined how a seemingly small choice can eventually take control of a personrsquos futureNOrdquo Rings Out at HSNC University as Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma Leads Youth Pledge Against DrugsHe then shared an unexpectedly memorable anecdote from his own life When someone offered tobacco at a gathering his response was a fourletter word ldquoSURErdquo Fortunately his experiment ended with him throwing up rather than developing an addiction But the anecdote carried a serious message there are moments when the pressure to say ldquoyesrdquo can be greater than the ability to think through the consequences ldquoOf course we have to try new things in liferdquo the Provost told the students in essence ldquoYesrdquo has a place in life But we also have to learn how to say ldquonordquoMr Anil Harish then put the question to the students What would you say if someone offered you drugs The auditorium answered with one emphatic word ldquoNOrdquo Addressing the students Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma highlighted three interconnected dimensions of the drug problem supply demand and rehabilitation While enforcement agencies and authorities have an important role in tackling the supply of drugs he emphasised that society has a significant role to play in stopping demand and supporting rehabilitation His message to the young audience was particularly direct ldquoDrug is not cool it is cruelrdquoHe challenged the increasingly familiar response of treating addiction as somebody elses problem ldquoIts his liferdquo or ldquoits her liferdquo he said cannot become an excuse for indifference ldquoNo person can live in isolationrdquo Addiction may affect an individual but its consequences can travel through families friendships neighbourhoods and communitiesTop Mr Anil Harish Provost HSNC University felicitates Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma From Bottom Left Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma during his address to HSNC University students Mr Anil Harish Provost HSNC University during his Opening Remarks amp Prof Tejashree Shanbhag Principal KC College during her Vote of ThanksThe Governor therefore urged students to rethink what it means to ldquointerfererdquo Reaching out to someone battling addiction he said is not interference it is help If someone is caught in substance abuse that person may be ldquocrying out for helprdquo and young people have the ability to notice reach out and stand by themHis appeal was therefore not simply to speak about change but to become part of it ldquoIt is not about giving speeches it is standing by someonerdquo he told the students urging them to build awareness within their circles and help create the support systems that increasingly matter in a rapidly changing societyShri Varma also pointed to the weakening of traditional support structures and the need to recreate that sense of community through friends relatives acquaintances and social networks The underlying message was clear a healthier society cannot be built by individuals living in isolation from one anotherGiving the campaign a digital dimension Governor Shri Varma launched the NoToDrugsin portal providing a dedicated platform to carry the message of a drugfree India beyond the auditorium even as he administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge to the students present The combination of a digital platform and a physical collective commitment underscored the need to carry the message beyond a single event and into the everyday spaces where young people live study and interactEmphasising the importance of youthled choices Col Dr Hemlata K Bagla Vice Chancellor HSNC University said ldquoA drugfree India cannot be built through awareness alone it must be built through the choices young people make every day When a young person chooses to say no that is not merely a refusal it is a choice for health dignity ambition and a future with possibilitiesrdquo Dr Bagla has been the driving force and has supported the entire lsquoSay No To Drugsrsquo campaign at HSNC UniversityldquoA University prepares students for more than examinations and careers It also gives them the knowledge confidence and support to navigate the choices that come with adulthood In that sense the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge is as much about education as it is about awarenessrdquo Dr Bagla saidThe programme concluded with a walkathon and humanchain culminating at Oval MaidanThe program builds on HSNC Universitys sustained youthfocused engagement towards a Nasha Mukt Bharat Since June students have participated in digital Poster Making Slogan Writing amp Reel Making competitions followed by a lsquoNasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharatrsquo DrugFree Youth for Developed India awareness programme in July which brought together students for interactive discussions on addiction its impact on physical and mental health recovery and the importance of seeking support This was followed by the live screening of the Maharashtra Chief Ministerrsquos address on the DrugFree Mumbai Campaign in July where students were encouraged to recognise their individual and collective responsibility towards building a drugfree society In August HSNC University hosted the Mumbai city districtlevel competition which saw 116 participants across eight categories using poetry theatre music dance and digital media to turn awareness into youthled social actionThe event was held as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

Maharashtra Governor Leads HSNC University’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge on PM Modi’s Birthday

Other Articles

Mid-Day Fast

Home / Buzz / Article / Maharashtra Governor Leads HSNC University’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge on PM Modi’s Birthday

Maharashtra Governor Leads HSNC University’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge on PM Modi’s Birthday

Other Articles

Mid-Day Fast