Students at Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce & Science, Kharghar, were urged to stay away from drugs, alcohol, tobacco and other addictive substances during an awareness programme organised by the college’s National Service Scheme (NSS) unit.
The programme was held under the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva – Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan’, with social worker and BJP worker Prabhakar Joshi addressing students as the chief guest.
Joshi said substance abuse can have consequences extending beyond an individual’s health and can affect families and wider society. He stressed that while legal measures are important, sustained public awareness is also needed to address substance use among young people.
Referring to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Joshi said the campaign was an important step towards creating a society free from substance abuse. The Government of India launched the campaign in 2020 with a focus on awareness and prevention, particularly among young people and educational institutions; it was subsequently expanded nationwide.
Joshi said government campaigns and legal measures alone cannot resolve the issue and called for families, educational institutions, social organisations and citizens to contribute to sustained awareness about the risks associated with substance use.
He appealed to students to reject addictive substances and give greater priority to education, sport, personal development and constructive participation in nation-building activities.
NSS campaign focuses on prevention and awareness
The college’s NSS unit used the programme to highlight the physical, psychological and social consequences of substance abuse and to encourage students to adopt healthier and more responsible lifestyles.
The message conveyed to students was: “Say no to drugs, choose health and build a strong mind.”
The programme also encouraged young people who remain away from substance use to communicate the message among their friends and in their communities, with the broader aim of strengthening awareness and prevention.
The Government of India’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan identifies youth, educational institutions, civil society and the wider community among its key stakeholders and beneficiaries.
Professor Maheshwari Zhirpe, members of the teaching staff, NSS volunteers and students attended the awareness programme.
Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce & Science is located in Sector 33, Kharghar, and is affiliated with the University of Mumbai. The college’s NSS unit lists community service and social awareness among its objectives.
