Guwahati, 26 September (HS): Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Saturday led the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padyatra’ in Barpeta, as the state-wide campaign against drug abuse continued to draw participation from students, youth, social organisations, public representatives and citizens.

The Governor said bringing the anti-drug message to Barpeta, a town closely associated with Assam’s cultural and spiritual heritage, had special significance. Referring to the contributions of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva and Shri Shri Madhavdeva and the role of Barpeta Satra in preserving the state’s cultural traditions, Acharya said the march reflected a collective resolve to protect the younger generation and build a healthier society.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said drug abuse affects not only individuals but also families and society at large. He called for a coordinated response involving families, educational institutions, community organisations, civil society and citizens, along with government agencies and law-enforcement authorities.

Acharya said the padyatra, which began in Cachar and subsequently reached Sribhumi, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia before arriving in Barpeta, represented a movement from awareness to action and from individual commitment to collective responsibility.

Emphasising the role of young people, he said a healthy, skilled, confident and drug-free youth population was essential for Assam’s progress and the continued development of the Northeast. He urged youths to become active ambassadors of the drug-free society campaign.

“ A resolve is the first step towards its fulfilment,” the Governor said, urging citizens to turn the commitment towards a drug-free Assam into sustained action and stressing that every family and citizen has a role in the endeavour.

Earlier, Barpeta District Commissioner Navadeep Pathak administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp pledge to the participants.

Following the address, Acharya flagged off and led the padyatra from the District Library to the Mahatma Gandhi statue near the DC Office, walking alongside hundreds of participants. At the destination, he paid floral tributes to Gandhi and recalled the values of self-discipline, truth and social responsibility.

Burha Satriya of Barpeta Satra Dr. Babul Ch Das, MLA Dipak Kumar, social worker Gunindra Nath Das, District Commissioner Navadeep Pathak, SSP Sushanta Biswa Sarma, Barpeta Municipal Board Chairman Chabilal Das, Barpeta Zilla Parishad Chairperson Jasmin Sultana, social worker Sabita Debnath, district administration officials and other dignitaries attended the programme.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash