Emphasising that strong nations require strong leadership, Shri Radhakrishnan observed that campuses must emerge as safe, nurturing and drug-free spaces for young minds. He urged that the Drug Free Campus Campaign should not remain limited to one university but evolve into a nationwide movement across all higher educational institutions.
The Vice-President appealed to Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan to ensure that the campaign is integrated into all Central Higher Educational Institutions, thereby creating a uniform and sustained framework to combat substance abuse among students.
Launch of E-Pledge Platform and Mobile App
As part of the campaign, the Vice-President formally launched a dedicated e-pledge platform and mobile application under the Nasha Mukt Parisar Abhiyaan. The digital initiative enables students from universities across India to take an online pledge affirming their commitment to maintaining drug-free campuses.
Encouraging maximum participation, he called upon students to not only take the pledge themselves but also motivate peers to join the movement. According to him, technology-driven initiatives such as the e-pledge can significantly amplify outreach and engagement among the youth.
Substance Abuse: A National Challenge
Highlighting India’s demographic profile as one of the youngest nations in the world, the Vice-President warned that substance abuse is not merely an individual failing but a serious social, public health and national security challenge. He noted that drug addiction adversely impacts physical and mental health, academic performance, family harmony and overall productivity.
He also drew attention to the links between drug abuse and broader security concerns, including narco-terrorism, stating that safeguarding youth from addiction is essential to protecting the nation’s future.
Youth at the Centre of a Developed India
The Vice-President asserted that the dream of a developed and self-reliant India can only be realised if the country’s youth remain healthy, drug-free and goal-oriented. A drug-free generation, he said, is better equipped to acquire skills, promote entrepreneurship and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
He stressed that character, discipline and clarity of purpose must guide young people, urging students to choose long-term values over short-term temptations.
Role of Education, Culture and Policy
Underscoring India’s civilisational ethos, Shri Radhakrishnan said the country’s ancient traditions place great emphasis on self-discipline, mental balance and purity of mind and body. He linked this philosophy to contemporary initiatives such as the promotion of yoga and meditation championed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The Vice-President also highlighted platforms like the MY Bharat Portal and schemes such as PM Anusandhan Yojana, which aim to channelise youthful energy towards research, innovation, volunteering and nation-building.
Alignment with National Education Policy 2020
Referring to the National Education Policy 2020, the Vice-President said the policy reflects a holistic vision of education by emphasising mental health, life skills and student well-being. Initiatives like the Drug Free Campus Campaign, he noted, resonate strongly with the spirit of the policy.
Commending the University of Delhi, he appreciated its efforts in integrating awareness programmes, counselling support, student-led initiatives and collaboration with stakeholders to address substance abuse on campus.
Students as Ambassadors of Change
Calling upon students to lead from the front, the Vice-President urged them to remain vigilant, support peers in distress and speak up against drug abuse. He said when students become ambassadors of change, the positive impact extends beyond campuses to families and communities.
Expressing confidence in the University of Delhi, Shri Radhakrishnan said it has the potential to emerge as a model drug-free campus for the rest of the country, contributing significantly to the goal of a Nasha Mukt Bharat.