Campaign Launched to Encourage Drug-Free Elections in Himachal
At the conclusion of a four-day training programme at HIPA, held under the Drug-Free India Campaign, the Himachal Forum Against Drug Abuse (HFADA) reinforced the need for clean and responsible elections. The forum used the occasion to actively promote its drug-free Panchayat and Municipal elections campaign, urging participants to spread awareness among voters across the state.
Addressing the concluding session, HFADA Chairman and former Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Sanan spoke about the growing misuse of drugs during elections, warning that such practices not only influence voting but also create a fresh pool of youth falling into addiction. He emphasized that elections should strengthen democracy—not become a gateway to substance abuse.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, State Secretary Satyawan Pundir shared that HFADA had already launched a statewide awareness campaign on April 15, advocating for drug-free Panchayat Raj and municipal elections. As part of the initiative, organizations like the Mandi Literacy Committee and the Himachal Knowledge Science Committee printed and distributed over 10,000 pamphlets, spreading the message across rural and urban areas.
Marking the end of the training programme, posters and pamphlets promoting the drug-free campaign were officially released and distributed to various organizations, who will now take the message forward at the grassroots level.
Adding to the discussion, Vijay Kumar, Executive Director of Gunjan Sanstha, underlined that tackling drug abuse requires addressing its early stages. He pointed out that habits like smoking, alcohol and hashish consumption often pave the way for more serious addiction. He stressed that if Himachal truly wants to become a safe and healthy state, then drug use must be discouraged in all situations—especially during elections, when its impact can be far-reaching.
The event saw participation from key members of the forum and its partner organizations, including Satyawan Pundir, Vijay Kumar and Prof. Sachin, representing the Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti and Gunjan Sanstha.
Through this initiative, HFADA aims to turn elections into a platform for positive social change, encouraging people to vote responsibly while safeguarding the future of the state’s youth from the dangers of drug abuse.
