Governor Wants Anti-Drug Pledge Mandatory for Admissions
Shukla sets 2029 target for drug-free Telangana, announces 60-day awareness drive
HYDERABAD: Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Wednesday proposed making anti-drug pledges mandatory for students at the time of admission to schools and colleges, urging young people to fuel their dreams rather than their addictions.
Speaking at a Nasha Mukt Bharat and "Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat-2047" awareness programme at Tagore Auditorium, organised jointly by the Telangana State Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) and Osmania University's National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell, he called for Telangana to become drug-free by 2029.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a drug-free India and the Union government's Vision Document on Drug Control 2026-2029, Shukla said the responsibility for fighting drugs rested with society as a whole. Drug abuse, he warned, could undermine the goals of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Telangana.
He urged students to respect their parents' trust, pursue their aspirations and contribute to national development. However, he stressed that people battling addiction should not be humiliated or isolated but should be given medical treatment, counselling and family support. "Fight drugs, not the individuals affected by addiction," was his message.
Shukla announced a 60-day anti-drug awareness campaign from Children's Day on November 14 to National Youth Day on January 12. He asked educational institutions to organise seminars, exhibitions, counselling sessions and rallies, adding that institutions making significant contributions would be recognised. Students should act as ambassadors of the campaign, spreading the message, "Say no to drugs and yes to life."
The Governor unveiled awareness posters and stickers, administered an anti-drug pledge, inaugurated a blood donation camp and flagged off a rally from Tagore Auditorium to the Arts College on the Osmania University campus. Similar programmes were held across all 33 districts.
Shukla said Telangana IRCS membership had crossed 1.28 lakh, while Junior Red Cross and Youth Red Cross registrations had exceeded 16 lakh. Another 6,000 volunteers had registered under Aapda Mitra, and more than 5.20 lakh young people had joined the MY Bharat portal.
IRCS Telangana chairman M. Dana Kishore, Osmania University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kumar Molugaram, officials, faculty members and NSS volunteers attended.