PASIGHAT, Aug 2: Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, on Sunday joined the nationwide observance of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ by organising a special awareness programme on campus, reaffirming its commitment to creating a drug-free and tobacco-free educational environment.
Welcoming the gathering, Assistant Registrar (Academics) Likha Rinchin highlighted the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign and stressed the vital role educational institutions play in preventing substance abuse. He said a drug-free nation begins with drug-free campuses and called for coordinated efforts by the administration, faculty, students and the wider Pasighat community to keep society free from the menace of drugs.
Dean of Academic Affairs Professor Jena described the campaign as a social movement rather than merely an administrative initiative. He urged teachers to actively guide students about the harmful effects of drugs and tobacco, emphasising that educators must be key stakeholders in building a substance-abuse-free campus. He also underscored the importance of self-discipline and collective responsibility in ensuring the success of the campaign.
Chairperson of the Anti-Tobacco Cell and Assistant Professor of Social Work, Ngurang Mana, administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge, with students, faculty and staff pledging to remain free from drugs and tobacco while discouraging substance use within the campus community.
Reiterating that APU is a completely tobacco-free campus, Mana appealed to students to respect the institution’s tobacco-free and drug-free policies. She warned that violations would invite strict disciplinary action while encouraging students to become peer motivators in spreading awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.
Assistant Professor of Commerce Dr Yab Rajiv Camdir urged students to channel their energy into studies, sports and healthy lifestyles. He said academic discipline and constructive engagement help young people stay away from harmful habits and encouraged students to pursue their goals with dedication.
The programme concluded with the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', a 100-week nationwide Jan Bhagidari campaign spearheaded by MY Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to combat substance abuse through weekly awareness activities.
The event was attended by Registrar Narmi Darang, Dean of Student Welfare Dr Eli Doye, Assistant Registrar (Finance) Anil Nangkar, heads of departments, faculty members, staff, students and research scholars.