###Parents Play the Most Crucial Role in Building a Drug-Free Society: Dr. Anand Gupta

Udaipur: Rotary Club Mewar formally installed its office bearers for the Rotary year 2026–27 during a dignified installation ceremony held at Hotel Paradise Bliss, Shobhagpura. The event was attended by renowned motivational speaker Dr. Anand Gupta as the Chief Guest, Past District Governor Nirmal Singhvi as the Installing Officer, and Jatin Gandhi, Assistant Commissioner, Devasthan Department, as the Guest of Honour.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Anand Gupta emphasized that creating a drug-free society is not solely the responsibility of governments or institutions but begins at home with parents. He said that children falling prey to substance abuse belong to our own families and communities, and the growing menace of drugs has reached households across society.

Dr. Gupta pointed out that one of the primary reasons behind rising substance abuse among youngsters is the widening communication gap between parents and children. Many adolescents, he said, resort to drugs to cope with depression, stress, or failure. He urged parents to maintain regular, open conversations with their children, understand their emotional well-being, and provide timely support to prevent them from taking harmful paths.

During the ceremony, Installing Officer Nirmal Singhvi administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly elected President Dr. Himanshu Gupta and Secretary Bharat Singhvi, while Dr. Anand Gupta administered the oath to the newly constituted executive committee.

Addressing the gathering, Nirmal Singhvi said that Rotary Club Mewar has built a distinguished reputation through 24 years of dedicated service to society and has consistently undertaken impactful community initiatives.

Presenting the club's roadmap for the year, President Dr. Himanshu Gupta announced that the club would launch an extensive anti-drug awareness campaign across the region. He also unveiled plans to conduct an HPV vaccination drive for girls up to 15 years of age to help prevent cervical cancer. In addition, the club will organize awareness programmes on the rising incidence of oral cancer and implement several projects in the fields of healthcare, education, and community welfare throughout the year.

Assistant Commissioner Jatin Gandhi administered the membership oath to new Rotary member Naveen Sharma and appreciated the club's continued commitment to humanitarian service and its efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse.

On the occasion, Dr. Arvinder Singh highlighted the initiatives of Panacea Disability Rights and announced a contribution of ₹2.5 lakh to support the community service projects undertaken by Dr. Himanshu Gupta.

Earlier, Club Patron Hansraj Chaudhary presented an overview of Rotary Club Mewar's 24-year journey of service and its flagship community projects. Outgoing President Manish Ganna welcomed the guests, Mukesh Gurani recited Rotary's Four-Way Test, and Secretary Bharat Singhvi delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Yogesh Pagaria.

The ceremony was attended by Assistant Governor Sangeeta Sharma, office bearers from various Rotary Clubs, and a large number of distinguished citizens.