Guwahati, 02 October (HS): Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Friday concluded the fortnight-long Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padayatra in Kamrup (M), Guwahati, calling for a collective commitment to create a drug-free, healthy and value-based society in the state.

The concluding programme was held at the District Library, where hundreds of students, youth volunteers, NCC and NSS cadets, Scouts and Guides, ex-servicemen, social organisation representatives, civil society members, officials and citizens joined the campaign against drug abuse.

The Padayatra, which began on September 17 in Cachar, covered 10 districts, including Cachar, Sribhumi, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Dhubri, Barpeta, Diphu, Hojai, Kamrup and Kamrup (M), spreading awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and stressing collective responsibility in combating the menace.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the initiative was more than an awareness campaign and represented Assam's collective resolve to build a healthy, empowered and value-based society.

Recalling the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Acharya highlighted the values of truth, self-restraint, cleanliness, discipline and service. He also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary, recalling his ideals of simplicity, integrity, discipline and dedication to the nation.

The Governor emphasised the crucial role of youth in preventing drug abuse and urged parents, teachers, social organisations, religious and spiritual institutions, police, administration, media and young people to work together towards the objective.

Healthy youth can build a healthy society. Value-based youth can build a value-based society. And aware and responsible youth can build a developed nation, he said.

Acharya said the vision of a prosperous, healthy, educated, safe and skilled Assam could be achieved only by strengthening human resources and protecting the younger generation from drug abuse. He appreciated the participation of students, NCC and NSS cadets, Scouts and Guides, Nari Shakti, armed forces and police personnel, social organisations and citizens in the Padayatra.

He urged the people of Assam to renew their commitment to building a drug-free, healthy, disciplined and value-based society, contributing to the broader vision of Viksit Assam and Viksit Bharat.

Kamrup (M) District Commissioner Swapnil Paul administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp pledge to the participants.

Earlier, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the Governor visited Gandhi Mandap and paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. He also planted a sapling on the premises, symbolising responsibility towards a healthier future.

District Commissioner Swapnil Paul, Joint Commissioner of Police Ankur Jain, GMC Commissioner Chinmoy Prakash Phukan, senior administrative and police officials and representatives of various social organisations attended the programme.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash