Silchar (Assam), 17 September (HS): Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Thursday formally launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padayatra from Nehru College at Pailapool in Cachar district, as part of a statewide campaign to spread awareness against drug abuse.

The Padayatra, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free India, will continue until October 2 and cover 10 districts of Assam. The campaign seeks to mobilise people, particularly the youth, towards building a healthy, empowered and drug-free Assam.

Addressing a public meeting at Nehru College, the Governor said the campaign was closely linked to the future of young people, family well-being and the safety of society. He stressed that achieving a drug-free Assam and India required collective responsibility and sustained public participation.

Acharya said the participation of students, youth and people from different sections had given the Padayatra the character of a people’s movement. He urged young people to channelise their energy into education, sports, yoga, arts, skill development, innovation and community service.

He also called for a comprehensive approach to tackling substance abuse, combining strict enforcement against illegal drug trafficking with treatment, counselling and rehabilitation for people affected by addiction. He appreciated the efforts of the Cachar district administration in combating drug trafficking.

The Governor urged citizens to carry the campaign's message to villages, neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces and families. He also felicitated NGOs and individuals for their contribution to the prevention and control of substance abuse.

After the meeting, Acharya paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue on the college campus before commencing the Padayatra. The awareness march culminated at Pailapool Chowk, with more than 2,000 students, teachers, civil society members, officials and others participating.

Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Minister Kaushik Rai, Cachar District Commissioner Rahul Kumar Gupta, Senior Superintendent of Police Partha Pratim Das, Sub-Divisional Officer Dhrubajyoti Pathak and Nehru College Principal Dr L. Bharati Singh were among those present.

Earlier, the Governor felicitated 108-year-old Sunila Das of Lakhipur under the Governor Assam Varishtha Nagrik Samman initiative. She was presented a traditional Assamese gamosa, a cheque of ₹51,000, a saree, shawl, umbrella and a basket of fruits.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash