KOHIMA, AUGUST 11 (NTNews): A Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat programme was held today at the Multipurpose Hall of Rüziükhrie Government Higher Secondary School (RGHSS), Kohima, with the objective of encouraging young people to stay away from substance abuse and make responsible choices for a healthy and productive future.
The programme was organised by the NSS Unit of RGHSS, Kohima, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, under the MY Bharat initiative.
The programme featured Vande Mataram, the introduction and felicitation of youth icons and dignitaries, a MY Bharat orientation, screening of the MYB Song and VBYLD Anthem, screening of a Nasha Mukt video, a youth icon presentation and administration of the Nasha Mukt pledge.
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Youth Icon Kepozo Kapuh, who administered the drug-free pledge to NSS volunteers, said substance abuse was silently taking away the energy, health and ambition of young people. He said addiction could lead to losses in health, education, career and family, adding that its greatest impact was the loss of one’s future.
Kapuh urged students to stay away from drugs and other harmful substances and make informed and responsible decisions. He also called for greater support for people struggling with addiction, stressing the need to help them access treatment, counselling and rehabilitation.
He informed that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched by the Government of India on August 15, 2020, had so far sensitised over 29.26 crore people through grassroots outreach across the country, including 11.17 crore youth.
He further stated that more than 28.30 lakh people had received treatment through over 730 de-addiction and counselling facilities, while more than 1.67 crore students from one lakh educational institutions had taken the Nasha Mukt pledge.
Pradeep J, District Youth Officer, MY Bharat, Kohima and Wokha, highlighted the role of MY Bharat as a technology-enabled platform for youth development and youth-led development under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
He said the platform connects youth aged 15–25 years with government agencies, educational institutions, NGOs and industry through volunteering, experiential learning, leadership and civic engagement. More than 2.2 crore youth have registered on the platform, he said.
The programme concluded with the National Anthem presented by Class 12 Arts students, reinforcing the message of collective responsibility in building a drug-free, healthier and stronger society.
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