Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 5 Oct: Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) on Monday called upon the youth to stay away from drugs and channel their energy into education, sports, skill development, innovation and nation-building. He said that the youth are not only the future of India but also the strength of India today and the architects of a developed nation.
Addressing the “Drug-Free Youth – Future of a Developed India” Youth Dialogue organised at the CIMS and UIHMT campus in Kuwanwala, the Governor said that the fight against drug abuse and drugs is not the responsibility of any one individual, institution or department, but a collective campaign involving the entire society. He said, “Our fight against drugs itself is our campaign.” He emphasised that the role of the family is most important in this campaign. Every family must maintain continuous dialogue with its children and make them aware of the harmful effects of drug abuse.
The Governor said that teachers, police personnel, pharmacists, doctors and everyone associated with health services must work together with families to build a drug-free society. He said that merely preventing drug abuse among youth is not enough; it is equally important to engage them in education, sports, skill development, employment, innovation and other positive activities.
Referring to the “Drug-Free Youth – Developed India Sankalp Abhiyan” launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 2 August 2026, the Governor said that the 100-week nationwide campaign is an important initiative aimed at keeping young people away from drugs and enabling them to become agents of positive change in their families, educational institutions and society.
He appealed to young people that, if any of their friends is struggling with drug addiction, they should not make fun of them. Instead, they should communicate with them, understand their concerns and, when necessary, encourage them to seek appropriate assistance. He said that saving one young person from drug abuse means saving the hope of a family and the future of society.
The Governor appreciated the efforts being undertaken for several years by CIMS & UIHMT Group of Colleges and Sajag India Chairman Lalit Joshi against drug abuse. He said that efforts being made by various institutions and organisations for a drug-free society need to be expanded further with greater public participation.
On the occasion, the Governor also inaugurated the newly constructed auditorium on the campus named after former Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat.
Representatives from the education, medical, health and social sectors, along with CIMS & UIHMT Group of Colleges Chairman Lalit Joshi and a large number of young people, were present on the occasion.
