The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today called upon educational institutions, families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies and civil society to work together to build a Nasha Mukt Bharat, stating that the fight against substance abuse must begin with individuals and grow into a nationwide movement.
Addressing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Conclave, organised by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in association with the Narcotics Control Bureau and Disha Bodh Foundation, during the University’s 31st Foundation Day celebrations at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, the Vice-President said that substance abuse threatens not only individual health but also educational attainment, productivity, social cohesion and national development.
Congratulating RGUHS on its Foundation Day, he lauded the University for its significant contribution to health education, research and public health, and for producing generations of healthcare professionals dedicated to serving the nation. Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan expressed happiness at the large gathering of students who pledged to make Bengaluru, Karnataka and ultimately India drug-free.
He said that a “Nasha Mukt Bharat” is not merely about the absence of drugs but about promoting healthy choices, informed decisions, supportive families and resilient communities. Stressing that individuals must have complete control over their own minds, he remarked that when drugs take control of the mind, one loses control over one’s own life.
The Vice-President said that every young life lost to addiction represents a loss of national potential. He urged students, particularly future doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, researchers and public health professionals, to become ambassadors of awareness and play a leading role in prevention, treatment, research and evidence-based policymaking to address substance abuse.
Calling for greater research in addiction medicine, mental health, behavioural sciences and community-based interventions, he emphasised that evidence must guide action and research must inform policy. He also underlined the importance of leveraging technology, counselling services and peer support networks in addressing substance use disorders.
Highlighting his continued emphasis on drug-free educational institutions, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan noted that, as Chancellor of three Central Universities, he has consistently advocated for drug-free campuses. Referring to the Drug-Free Campus Campaign and e-pledge platform launched at the University of Delhi earlier this year, he expressed satisfaction that the initiative has contributed to creating a drug-free campus environment.
On the occasion, the Vice-President administered polio vaccine drops to infants as part of the National Pulse Polio Drive in Karnataka. He also honoured the former Vice-Chancellors of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the University’s growth and advancement over the years.
The Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri D.K. Shivakumar, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Justice (Retd.) Syed Abdul Nazeer, Karnataka Minister for Medical Education, Dr. Sharan Prakash R. Patil, Karnataka Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri U.T. Khader Fareed, Vice-Chancellor of RGUHS, Dr. Bhagavan, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.