HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Feb 7: Tezpur University organised a mega program on Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug Free India Campaign) on Wednesday at the KBR auditorium of the university. Union minister of state for Housing and Urban Affairs, Kaushal Kishore, attended the program as the chief guest and delivered a compelling address on the transformative initiative ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister highlighted the need for the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and its nationwide campaign aiming at eradicating the scourge of substance abuse among youth. The minister emphasised that the government is facilitating several schemes for various stakeholders, including the youth, to build a Viksit & Aatmanirbhar Bharat. However, all such efforts will go in vain if the youth do not stay away from substance abuse. “Many youths are consumed by these drugs and spoil their youth. The first time whenever it is offered, the temptation should be rejected,” the minister advised the youth.
The minister, who is looking after Housing and Urban Affairs, also assured the university regarding the grant of financial assistance for developing a sewerage treatment plant on the campus. “I am instructing NBCC (a Government of India Civil Engineering Enterprise) to execute the proposal,” he said.
Addressing the students, Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, vice chancellor of the university, said that young people are always into experimenting and exploring new things, and substance use is one such thing the young people are curious about. Prof Singh advocated for creating a favourable and proactive environment for youth where they can channelise their energy constructively towards nation-building.
Before the event, the minister also offered floral tributes to Ramabai Bhimrao Ambedkar on her Jayanti at Bordoichila Women’s Hostel. The event witnessed the participation of a large number of National Service Scheme, TU volunteers, students, faculty, and staff members of the university. Dr Amiya Kumar Das, programme coordinator, NSS, TU, and Dr Apurba Saha, programme officer, NSS, TU, shared the dais with the dignitaries.