Governor Acharya Devvrat said that drug addiction was a social evil and everybody should fight together against it. He said there was a need to create awareness among the youth about the ill effects of the drugs for which sports activities could be an effective medium.The Governor was speaking on the concluding ceremony of the T-20 cricket competition organized in Rohru sub-division of Shimla district on Tuesday organized by Himachal Pradesh Sports, Cultural and Environment Association with the theme- "come on, quit the drug-play game".He said that the Association deserves appreciation for starting campaign against drug addiction through sports. He said the energy of the youth should be channelized in a constructive manner so as to save them from choosing a wrong path in their lives. He said it was a matter of concern that Dev Bhoomi Himachal Pradesh too had not remained untouched by the social evils like drug abuse and youth were involving in illegal activities such as intoxicants.Acharya Devvrat said that the state government was also campaigning against drug addicts, which was a welcome step. He said this was not a political matter and it was moral duty of every citizen to become part of this campaign as this social evil could ruin any family.
Speaking on the occasion, former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said that sports play an important role in human life. He expressed concern over the fact that some youth were becoming victims of intoxicating on a large sacle. Organising such sports activities was s good step as this would help the youth to come forward and create an environment against intoxicants.MLA and President of Himachal Pradesh Sports, Cultural and Environment Association Vikramaditya Singh said that the Association had been organising such events to make younger generation aware about the ill effects of various social evils. He said this cricket tournament lasted for a month in which more than 6000 players 437 teams participated.Local MLA Mohan Lal Barakta welcomed the Governor and the former Chief Minister.Earlier, the governor presented the trophy to winning team of Jubbal winning team and runner-up Kusumbati.Former MP Pratibha Singh, MLA Nand Lal and Advisor to Governor Dr. Shashikant Sharma were also present on the occasion.