Una, June 19: Amidst the growing adverse effects of substance abuse, the 'Drug-Free and Healthy Youth Campaign' was launched on Friday from the district headquarters in Una, aiming to raise awareness among the youth and inspire them towards a healthy lifestyle. Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal flagged off the campaign—organized jointly by the Health Care Foundation and the Society for Human Awareness, Motivation and Action (SHAMA)—from the Deputy Commissioner's office complex.
Under this campaign, essay-writing competitions themed 'Drug-Free and Healthy Youth' will be organized in various schools and educational institutions across the district. Through this initiative, the spirit of a drug-free India, a healthy India, and social responsibility will be strengthened among students.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner remarked that substance abuse hollows out not only an individual's body but also their dreams, their family's hopes, and the energy of society. He stated that if the youth stay away from drugs and engage in education, sports, skill development, and creative activities, the creation of a healthy, empowered, and prosperous society becomes possible.
He urged the youth to stay away from drugs themselves and to raise awareness among their friends and those around them to protect them from this social evil. He emphasized that the fight against substance abuse is the collective responsibility of the entire society, alongside the administration.
During the event, the Health Care Foundation reiterated its resolve to disseminate the objectives of the Government of India's 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' (Drug-Free India Campaign) to the masses and to mold the youth into aware, healthy, and responsible citizens.
District Coordinator Vishal Thakur, Himachal Pradesh Transport Authority member Ashok Thakur, Health Care Foundation President Devanand Gautam, Anil Kumar, and Lalita Sharma, along with officials from various departments, teachers, students, and social activists, were present on the occasion.