Dhubri (Assam), 27 September (HS): Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Sunday led the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padayatra in Dhubri, drawing participation from students, NCC and NSS cadets, social organisations, ex-servicemen, civil society representatives, government officials and citizens in a collective campaign against drug abuse.

Addressing the gathering, Acharya said the fight against drug abuse must develop beyond individual programmes into a sustained social movement involving families, educational institutions, community organisations and citizens.

Emphasising the role of young people, the Governor urged them to channel their energy and potential into constructive pursuits such as sports, yoga, meditation, reading, skill development, cultural activities and other creative engagements.

He said the vision of a Viksit Bharat and Viksit Assam could not be achieved through economic development alone and stressed the need for a healthy, confident, disciplined and empowered younger generation.

Giving the message, “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life,” Acharya called upon parents, teachers, voluntary organisations and citizens to work together to provide young people with timely guidance and support. He also stressed the importance of stronger communication within families and wider awareness programmes in educational institutions and communities.

The Governor said Dhubri’s tradition of social harmony, diversity and public participation could provide additional strength to the anti-drug campaign and expressed confidence that the message from the district would reach communities across Assam.

Dhubri District Commissioner Dibakar Nath administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp pledge to the participants. Later, Acharya flagged off the padayatra from the District Library and walked with hundreds of participants towards the DC Office.

On reaching the destination, the Governor paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, recalling the values of self-discipline, truth and social responsibility associated with his life and ideals.

Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Ashwini Rai Sarkar, MLA Jibesh Rai, District Commissioner Dibakar Nath, SSP Debashish Bora, Dhubri Municipal Board Chairman Debomoy Sanyal, Dhubri-Gauripur Development Authority Chairman Dipak Saha, senior government officials, social organisation representatives and other dignitaries attended the programme.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash