Una, July 27: With the aim of raising awareness among the youth about the adverse effects of drug abuse and ensuring their active participation in building a developed India, 'Mera Yuva Bharat Una' successfully organized a district-level "Drug-Free Youth for Developed India Festival" at the Himcaps Institute of Professional Education, Badhera. Approximately 350 students from various schools and colleges across the district participated in the event.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Una, Jatin Lal, attended the event as the chief guest, while Superintendent of Police (SP) Una, Sachin Hiremath, participated as the guest of honor.

**Youth power is the greatest asset of a developed India: Jatin Lal**
In his address, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal stated that India is the youngest nation in the world, and the energy, talent, and positive mindset of its youth constitute the greatest strength of a developed India. He remarked that if the youth stay away from social evils like drug abuse and forge ahead in fields such as education, sports, innovation, and social service, the dream of a developed India will soon be realized.
He emphasized that drug abuse affects not only the individual but also the future of the entire family and society. Therefore, every young person should not only stay away from drugs themselves but also raise awareness among their friends and the community. He noted that while the administration is continuously running campaigns against drug abuse, the active participation of the youth is crucial in this fight.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that such events provide a platform for the creative talent of the youth while also fostering a sense of social responsibility within them. Appreciating all the participants, he remarked that their presentations were not merely limited to the competition but served as an effective medium to bring about positive change in society.

**A mass movement against drug abuse must be created: Superintendent of Police**
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Sachin Hiremath stated in his address that laws alone are not sufficient to combat drug abuse; collective societal awareness and the positive mindset of the youth are equally essential. He mentioned that while the police department is taking effective action against the drug trade, the informed participation of the youth would further strengthen this campaign. He urged students to use social media and modern technology to spread positive messages in society and to take the campaign for a drug-free India to the masses.
A total of eight competitions were organized as part of the festival, including group dance, group folk song, street play/mime, painting, debate and speech, slam poetry, short film/reel, and slogan writing. Through their creative performances, the participants effectively highlighted the adverse effects of substance abuse and conveyed the message of a healthy and aware society.
**Expert Jury for Transparent Evaluation**
To ensure fair and transparent evaluation of the competitions, a jury comprising distinguished academicians and experts from various educational institutions, administrative departments, and social organizations was constituted. All competitions were evaluated based on established criteria.
On this occasion, the Deputy Commissioner of Una administered a pledge to all the students present, urging them to stay away from drugs and to raise awareness among others about the issue.
Vikramjit Singh (Chairman, Himcaps College, Badhera), Pradeep Kumar (District Youth Services and Sports Officer), Jitendra Sharma (Tehsil Welfare Officer, Una), and others were present at the event.