MPUAT Hosts Grand "Drug-Free Youth – Developed India Pledge Campaign"

Udaipur : Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, organized the live telecast of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's nationwide address under the "Drug-Free Youth – Developed India Pledge Campaign" at 11:00 AM on Sunday in the Rajasthan College of Agriculture (RCA) Auditorium. The event was held in a vibrant and dignified atmosphere in the gracious presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma and the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, Shri V. Srinivasan.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Pratap Singh welcomed the Chief Minister by presenting a bouquet. The Chief Minister was subsequently felicitated by MPUAT's My Bharat volunteers, Jyotika Verma and Avni Suwalka. Bouquets were also presented to the ministers and distinguished guests attending the event.

Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma administered the "Drug-Free Youth – Developed India" pledge to students, faculty members, scientists, and university officials. Addressing the gathering, he said that the campaign is not merely a government initiative but a nationwide people's movement aimed at building a Developed India. He informed the audience that more than one crore youth across the country are joining the campaign by taking the pledge against substance abuse.

Highlighting the progress made under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister spoke about the growing opportunities available for youth and the Rajasthan Government's sustained efforts to create a drug-free state. He noted that the government is continuously strengthening de-addiction centres, conducting large-scale awareness campaigns, and ensuring effective law enforcement to curb drug abuse.

Encouraging young people to move beyond seeking employment, he urged them to become job creators through innovation and entrepreneurship. He also appealed to parents to maintain regular communication with their children and remain positively engaged with their activities and peer groups.

The gathering then witnessed the live telecast of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's national address. The Prime Minister emphasized that "Drug-free youth are the greatest strength of a Developed India." He called upon teachers and professors to consistently educate students about the harmful effects of substance abuse. He stressed that if a young person becomes addicted to drugs, society should respond with compassion by providing treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation rather than stigma or rejection. He further stated that young people who successfully overcome addiction should be welcomed back into society with dignity and acceptance, making their reintegration a shared social responsibility.

A powerful street play highlighting the ill effects of drug addiction was also presented during the programme. The performance illustrated how substance abuse diverts young people from their goals and negatively impacts individuals, families, and society. It also conveyed an inspiring message that family support, a positive environment, counselling, yoga, sports, and rehabilitation can help individuals lead a drug-free life, leaving a deep impression on the audience.

Dr. Vikramaditya Dave, Dean of Student Welfare, informed that more than 500 students representing the National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Scouts & Guides, and the University Sports Unit participated in the event. All participants had registered on the My Bharat Portal before the programme and took the online pledge for a drug-free India.

Students, research scholars, NCC and NSS cadets, Rovers and Rangers, My Bharat volunteers, faculty members, and university staff collectively reaffirmed their commitment to building a drug-free India and pledged to spread awareness throughout society.

It was also announced that the "Drug-Free Youth – Developed India Pledge Campaign" will be conducted across the country over the next 100 weeks in a phased manner. The campaign will include continuous awareness programmes through schools, colleges, universities, NSS, NCC, Nehru Yuva Kendra, My Bharat volunteers, and various social and spiritual organizations.

The programme was attended by Registrar Shri Ashok Kumar, Dean of Student Welfare Dr. Vikramaditya Dave, Director of Research Dr. Manoj Kumar Mahla, Dean, Rajasthan College of Agriculture Dr. Lokesh Gupta, Dean, College of Fisheries Dr. L. N. Mahawar, Dean, College of Dairy and Food Technology Dr. Siddharth Mishra, Dean, College of Technology and Engineering Dr. Vinod Yadav, Controller of Examinations Dr. Ram Hari Meena, along with senior university officials, scientists, academicians, research scholars, and students.

Before the formal commencement of the programme, Rajasthan Chief Secretary Shri V. Srinivasan interacted with students, research scholars, and faculty members in the university auditorium. He discussed their academic experiences, future aspirations, and the vital role of youth in nation-building, while encouraging them to become disciplined, responsible, and drug-free citizens.

The audience was also informed that nearly one crore youth across the country had participated in the campaign by taking the "Drug-Free Youth – Developed India" pledge, while approximately 2.24 crore young people had registered on the My Bharat Portal, transforming the initiative into a nationwide people's movement.

The programme concluded with a collective pledge to build a drug-free, healthy, empowered, and developed India. Participants expressed confidence that with the positive contribution of the nation's youth, the vision of a drug-free, prosperous, and developed India will certainly be achieved.