Udaipur: A pledge programme was organised at the Directorate of Research, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, as part of the Drug De-Addiction Campaign, in accordance with the guidelines of the Government of India and under the guidance of Vice Chancellor Dr. Pratap Singh. The programme was chaired by Director of Research Dr. Manoj Kumar Mehla.

Teaching and non-teaching staff of the Directorate of Research participated enthusiastically and pledged to stay away from substance abuse, spread awareness about its harmful effects in society, and actively contribute to building a drug-free and healthy society.

On the occasion, Associate Director of Research Dr. Ravikant Sharma administered the pledge of drug de-addiction to the officers, teachers and employees present.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mehla said that substance abuse adversely affects an individual's physical and mental health, besides impacting the social and economic well-being of families. He said that it also poses an obstacle to the overall development of society.

He called upon all employees to stay away from substance abuse themselves and create awareness among their families, colleagues and especially young people about its harmful consequences.

Dr. Mehla emphasised that a drug-free environment is essential for building a healthy, empowered, productive and developed society. He said that awareness and collective participation by every individual can transform the resolve for a drug-free society into a broader public campaign.

The programme was organised in compliance with the drug de-addiction guidelines issued by the Government of India and the directions of the university administration. At the conclusion, all officers, teachers and employees expressed their commitment to taking the message of drug de-addiction to a wider audience and promoting a positive and healthy lifestyle in society.