Kamal Ghorui
The Narcotics Control Bureau on Tuesday observed its 41st Raising Day, marking over four decades of dedicated service in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country.To commemorate the occasion, nationwide youth mobilisation programmes for a Drug-Free India were organised at nearly 40 locations, including Delhi, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Raipur, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Agartala.The programmes featured anti-drug pledges, awareness sessions, rallies and heritage walks, focusing on preventing substance abuse, promoting a drug-free lifestyle, strengthening institutional partnerships and directly engaging with youth. Day-long activities highlighted the health, psychological, social and legal consequences of drug abuse, along with preventive strategies, early warning signs, recovery pathways and available support systems.Participants were sensitised to the harmful effects of drug abuse, its social and legal implications, and the importance of making informed, healthy life choices. Students and educators were also encouraged to actively promote the NCB’s MANAS Helpline (1933) for reporting information and seeking assistance related to drug abuse and trafficking.At a programme held at Sri Venkateswara College in Delhi, a large number of students took a pledge against drug abuse. Fitness influencer Ankit Bayanpuriya addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of health and fitness and motivating students to stay away from drugs.In Jodhpur, under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, a heritage walk involving around 400 participants was organised at the iconic Ghanta Ghar to raise awareness against drug abuse and promote a healthy lifestyle. In Chandigarh, an awareness programme was held at the Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management with participation from around 250 students.A meditation session in collaboration with Sri Ramchandra Mission was organised at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. In Bengaluru, around 5,000 students participated in a walkathon and awareness programme at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, which included a walkathon and sessions on the ill effects of drug consumption.
