Una, December 7: Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, Judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and Executive Chairman of the State Legal Services Authority, called upon all citizens to contribute to building a drug-free and cultured society. He stated that building a cultured and aware society is possible only through the self-determination and personal conduct of every citizen.
Justice Thakur urged everyone to embrace drug eradication and environmental protection as their personal responsibility and actively contribute to guiding society in the right direction.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a massive legal literacy camp organized on Sunday at the Lata Mangeshkar Kala Kendra, Una. The camp was organized under the joint auspices of the National Legal Services Authority and the Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, with the support of the District Legal Services Authority, Una. The camp focused on two themes: "A Drug-Free Society - India's Resolution" and "Environmental Protection - Global Protection."

**Only a cultured education prepares society's future**
Mr. Thakur said that the fundamental solution to society's problems lies in the inculcation of true values ??and sanskars. He said that a cultured education gives birth to ideals like Ram in society, while an education devoid of values ??gives birth to Ravanas. We must decide which qualities we want to develop in our society.

**Addiction is the biggest threat to the nation's future**
Vivek Singh Thakur described drug addiction as the biggest destructive factor for India's youth. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said that the easiest way to weaken any nation is to push its young generation into the grip of addiction. If the youth become directionless, both society and the nation become weak.

**Youth should take inspiration from immortal martyrs**
He said that during the freedom struggle, the youth sacrificed their lives for the nation. Today's youth need to draw inspiration from the lives of these great personalities. How many great men have dedicated their lives to nation-building. Today's youth should never resort to drugs due to depression or minor problems. He reminded that freedom fighters, despite facing difficult circumstances and suffering, never abandoned the path of nation-building.

**Environmental Degradation a Serious Threat to Humanity**
He warned that environmental damage is not just an issue, but a crisis linked to the very existence of humanity. He said that we must make our lifestyle and behavior nature-friendly. Environmental protection is possible not only through sermons, but by changing our behavior.

**Read our scriptures as life lessons**
Justice Thakur said that our scriptures are not merely religious texts, but contain invaluable teachings that guide life. Young people should read them with that perspective. He said that nature gives us everything, and we should also develop a sense of giving back to society and nature.

**Building character and society through self-control**
He said that a person's mind is both a friend and an enemy. If we become subservient to our mind, it becomes our enemy and leads us to bad habits. However, if we subdue our mind, it inspires us towards noble qualities and the welfare of society.
Justice Vivek Singh Thakur urged everyone to make drug eradication, environmental protection, sensitivity, values, and responsible citizenship a life commitment.

**Women's Power is the Axis of Social Change: Dr. Mukta Thakur**
Eminent educationist and social worker Dr. Mukta Thakur, who attended the event as a special guest, said that building a strong society is possible only through the integration of education, culture, and values. Citing the moral sayings and stories from the Bhagavad Gita, Vedas, and Puranas, she explained that these provide the fundamental principles and ideals of life.
She urged youth and citizens not to limit education to mere bookish knowledge, but to embrace value-based education to bring about morality, responsibility, and positive change in society.
Describing women's power as the pivot of social change, Dr. Mukta said that women, especially as mothers, sow the seeds of values, culture, and positive ideals in life. She underlined that if women are aware and empowered, society automatically progresses towards improvement and development. She urged everyone to adopt values, culture, and positive thoughts in their lives and actively contribute to building a drug-free, sensitive, and prosperous society.

**Authority striving for public awareness: Ranjit Singh**
In his address, Member Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority, Ranjit Singh, mentioned the public awareness campaign being run by the Authority for drug prevention and environmental protection. He urged everyone to actively participate in these efforts and change their behavior to guide society in the right direction.
He warned that if we continue to harm the environment through uncontrolled activities, we will not be able to ensure a safe and healthy hill environment for future generations. Furthermore, society must actively take action to address the challenge of drug abuse.

**Society must take responsibility for reform: Naresh Kumar**
District and Sessions Judge, Una, Naresh Kumar, linked drug prevention and environmental protection with social responsibility, stating that drug addiction destroys individuals physically, mentally, and financially. He emphasized that society must step forward to address this challenge instead of relying solely on the law.
Describing water, forests, and land as fundamental to our existence, he said that plastic, pollution, deforestation, and uncontrolled human activities are the challenges of the times. We must move forward together, taking small steps, to achieve reform.
District Legal Services Authority Secretary, Anita Sharma, expressed her gratitude to the chief guest, as well as all the distinguished guests, participants, and the gathering.

**Messages from songs, music, and short plays**
Participants from various schools, institutions, and drama groups delivered the message of drug prevention and environmental protection through speeches, songs, music, and short plays. Anika Joshi, a student of Scholars Unified School, Una, delivered an impressive speech on environmental conservation, while Priya Thakur delivered a speech on drug prevention.
The drama group from the First Reservation Corps, Bangarh, presented a play on the anti-Chitta campaign, while children from Prem Ashram promoted the preservation of trees. Vansh, a student from Government Senior Secondary School, Kutharkalan, performed a melodious song on the theme of "Drug Prevention - India's Pledge."

**Information on Schemes at Departmental Exhibitions**
Exhibitions organized by various departments in the Kala Kendra campus provided information on government welfare schemes. Justice Vivek Singh Thakur visited all the exhibits and learned about the services being provided.

**Those present at the event**
District and Sessions Judge and Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority Naresh Kumar, Member Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority Ranjit Singh, Additional District and Sessions Judge Una Kanta Verma, Additional District and Sessions Judge Una Rajendra Dhiman, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority Anita Sharma, other judicial officers, Secretary to the Himachal Government Ritesh Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal, Superintendent of Police Amit Yadav, President of the Bar Association Una Rohit Joshi, advocates, officers from various departments, Anganwadi and Asha workers, a large number of students, youth and local citizens were present at the event.