Governor launches ‘Sankalp Rath Yatra’ against drug abuse in Kasauli
Governor Kavinder Gupta today launched the ‘Sankalp Rath Yatra’, an anti-drug awareness campaign organised by Utishtha Bharat Sewa Trust at Kasauli in Solan district, today.
Describing the initiative as an important social message and a collective resolve to protect children, families and society from drug abuse, the Governor said that Kasauli, known for its natural beauty, peaceful environment and military heritage, should be recognised for tourism and not for drugs. He stressed the need for greater vigilance in tourist and border-connected areas so that drug trafficking does not affect the younger generation and the social identity of the region.
The Governor said the most alarming aspect of drug abuse was its impact on youth and urged parents and teachers to remain attentive to changes in children’s behaviour, listen to them patiently and assure them of family support. He said drug abuse was not merely a law-and-order issue but also a serious social and health challenge affecting an individual’s physical and mental well-being, family and future.
The Governor said the response to drug abuse must combine firm action against traffickers and organised crime along with treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration of those affected by addiction. He said drug trafficking could also have links with organised crime and in some cases, cross-border networks, making it a matter of internal security and national interest. While acknowledging the efforts of police, security forces, administration and investigative agencies, he said government action alone could not address the challenge and that effective results required active participation of society. He called for regular counselling in schools, greater participation in sports, yoga and cultural activities, skill development and positive interaction with students, saying that schools should become the first line of protection against drug abuse. He also urged the Cantonment Board, Army personnel and institutions in Kasauli to contribute their experience, discipline and guidance to the campaign.
The Governor appreciated Utishtha Bharat Sewa Trust for taking the message of drug prevention to people through the Sankalp Rath Yatra and called upon religious and spiritual organisations, women’s groups, youth organisations, educational institutions and civil society to join the campaign.
He said that protecting the younger generation from the slavery of drugs was a collective social challenge and that parents, teachers, doctors, armed forces, police, administration, social organisations and young people themselves had an important role to play. He urged youth to say ‘No’ to drugs and channelise their energy into sports, yoga, knowledge, skills and nation-building.
On the occasion, the Governor honoured individuals for their outstanding services to society.
Member of Parliament Suresh Kashyap congratulated Utishtha Bharat Sewa Trust for organising the anti-drug campaign and said that the issue had assumed greater importance in the present context. He expressed concern over the loss of young lives and families being adversely affected by drug abuse and urged youth to devote more time to sports and constructive activities.
Local MLA Vinod Sultanpuri welcomed the Governor to his constituency and said that educational institutions and society had an important role in addressing the drug menace, which had become a serious threat to society. He said collective efforts were needed to tackle the challenge and appreciated the Governor’s participation in the campaign.
Earlier, Navneet Gaurial, Trustee, Utishtha Bharat Sewa Trust, welcomed the Governor and gave details of the anti-drug awareness campaign and the Sankalp Rath Yatra.
Deputy Commissioner Solan Manmohan Sharma, Superintendent of Police T. Sai Dattatrey, President of Utishtha Bharat Sewa Trust Raj Kishore, Patron Raj Kumar Singla, Sister Tesvin, Principal, St. Mary’s School and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.