Vice President Radhakrishnan Calls for Whole-of-Society Campaign to Build a Drug-Free India
Calling substance abuse a threat to public health, education and national development, the Vice President urged educational institutions, families and healthcare professionals to work together to transform the fight against
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and other dignitaries join thousands of participants in taking the pledge for a drug-free India during the Nasha Mukt Bharat Conclave in Bengaluru on Sunday.
Bengaluru: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan has called for a whole-of-society approach to eliminate substance abuse, urging educational institutions, families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies and civil society to work together in building a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Addressing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Conclave, organised by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in association with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Disha Bodh Foundation during the university’s 31st Foundation Day celebrations in Bengaluru, the Vice President said the fight against drugs must begin with individuals and evolve into a nationwide people’s movement.
Substance Abuse a National Development Challenge
Describing drug addiction as a challenge that extends beyond individual health, Radhakrishnan said substance abuse undermines educational attainment, productivity, social cohesion and overall national development.
He stressed that every young person lost to addiction represents a loss of national potential and urged students—particularly future doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, researchers and public health professionals—to become ambassadors for awareness, prevention and evidence-based policymaking.
“The vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat is not merely the absence of drugs. It is the presence of healthy choices, informed decisions, supportive families and resilient communities,” the Vice President said.
Greater Focus on Research and Mental Health
The Vice President emphasised the need for greater investment in addiction medicine, mental health, behavioural sciences and community-based interventions, stating that research should guide policy and strengthen India’s response to substance use disorders.
He also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology, counselling services and peer support networks to support prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts.
Drug-Free Campuses
Reiterating his commitment to drug-free educational institutions, Radhakrishnan noted that, as Chancellor of three Central Universities, he has consistently advocated for campuses free from substance abuse.
He referred to the Drug-Free Campus Campaign and the e-pledge platform launched earlier this year at the University of Delhi, expressing satisfaction that the initiative has helped create greater awareness among students.
During the event, the Vice President also administered Pulse Polio vaccine drops to infants as part of Karnataka’s immunisation drive and honoured former Vice-Chancellors of RGUHS for their contributions to the university’s growth.
The programme was attended by Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice (Retd.) Syed Abdul Nazeer, senior ministers, university officials and healthcare professionals.
