New Delhi, Jan 13 (NationPress) The Vice-President (V-P) C.P. Radhakrishnan officially launched the Drug Free Campus Campaign at Delhi University (DU) on Tuesday, emphasizing the need to incorporate this initiative into all Central higher education institutions.

The Vice-President urged Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to facilitate ongoing and collective measures to safeguard the youth against substance dependency and to fulfill the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

He highlighted that the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 embodies a comprehensive vision by prioritizing mental health, life skills, and student welfare.

According to him, initiatives like the Drug Free Campus Campaign align with the NEP's spirit by fostering safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.

Applauding the university's efforts to incorporate awareness initiatives, counseling services, student-led programs, and collaboration with stakeholders, the Vice-President stated that when students become catalysts for change, the effects ripple beyond campuses into families and communities.

He encouraged students to remain alert, assist peers in distress, advocate against substance misuse, and lead by example.

Noting that India has a youthful demographic, the Vice-President characterized substance abuse as not just an individual issue but a significant social challenge, public health dilemma, and a threat to the nation’s demographic advantage.

Stressing that robust nations require strong leadership, V-P Radhakrishnan asserted that universities serve as more than mere academic institutions; they are places where values are cultivated, leadership is developed, and the nation’s future is shaped.

He remarked that when a prestigious institution like DU takes a resolute stance against substance abuse, it sends a compelling message to society as a whole.

The Vice-President also introduced a dedicated e-pledge platform (https://pledge.du.ac.in/home) and a mobile application as part of the 'Nasha Mukt Parisar Abhiyaan', urging students nationwide to engage actively and commit to a drug-free campus.

He pointed out that drug misuse negatively impacts physical and mental health, academic success, family dynamics, productivity, and national security, including its associations with narco-terrorism.

The Vice-President asserted that the vision for a developed and self-reliant India can only be achieved if the youth remain healthy, drug-free, and driven by purpose.

A drug-free youth, he concluded, is more capable of acquiring skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and making meaningful contributions to economic advancement and national progress.