Guwahati, 30 September (HS): Hojai on Wednesday joined Assam’s campaign for a drug-free society as Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya led the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padayatra at the new campus of Rabindranath Thakur Vishwavidyalaya.

Hundreds of students, youth volunteers, NCC and NSS cadets, social organisations, ex-servicemen, civil society representatives, government officials and local residents participated in the padayatra, reaffirming their commitment to combating substance abuse and promoting a healthier society.

The programme began with the Governor taking part in a tree plantation drive at the university campus. Addressing a public gathering later, Acharya said Hojai’s message of awareness and de-addiction should reach people across communities and strengthen the wider movement against drug abuse in Assam.

Describing the padayatra as a journey of resolve, awareness and hope, the Governor called upon young people to channel their energy towards constructive pursuits. He emphasised the role of schools, colleges and universities in creating awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promoting discipline, self-restraint and social responsibility.

Acharya also urged parents, teachers, educational institutions, youth groups and social organisations to maintain a sustained environment of dialogue and support for de-addiction. He suggested encouraging young people to participate in sports, yoga, cultural activities, NCC, NSS, community service and skill development programmes.

The Governor recalled the contributions and sacrifices of freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Khudiram Bose, Ashfaqulla Khan and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, as well as Assam’s freedom fighters Maniram Dewan, Kushal Konwar, Piyali Phukan, Kanaklata Barua and Kamala Miri. He said the India envisioned by them was not only free but also healthy, prosperous, self-reliant and strong.

The padayatra began from the old campus of Rabindranath Thakur Vishwavidyalaya and concluded at the designated culmination point, where the Governor paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Hojai District Commissioner Sanjay Dutta administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp pledge to the participants, who collectively pledged to contribute towards building a society free from drug abuse.

MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MLAs Shiladitya Dev and Sibu Mishra, District Commissioner Sanjay Dutta, Superintendent of Police Nirupam Hazarika, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manabendra Dutta Choudhury, administrative and police officials, social organisations and other dignitaries were present at the programme.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash