NEW DELHI: Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Monday called upon the youth to stay away from drugs and alcohol, saying that only a healthy and responsible younger generation can contribute effectively towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Governor was addressing the Nashamukt Bharat & Rashtriya Nashamukti Samman 2026 programme organised by the Kashiyana Foundation at the India International Centre here.
Gupta said society must move beyond concern and translate its thoughts into concrete action to create an environment that firmly rejects substance abuse.
“Great people build great nations, and greatness comes from strong character, a stable mind, a healthy body and a purposeful life,” he said.
Expressing concern over the growing incidence of drug addiction among youth, the Governor stressed the need to educate young people about its harmful consequences and strengthen their value system.
He said elders must also lead by example and abstain from all forms of substance abuse.
Referring to the role of families, Gupta said strong family systems in earlier times played an important part in nurturing values and character, but these foundations were gradually weakening.
“We must begin by imparting strong values to our children within our families; only then can we realise the goal of a Nasha Mukt Bharat,” he said.
The Governor lauded the Kashiyana Foundation for its sustained efforts in the field of de-addiction and wished the organisation success in its future initiatives.
On the occasion, Gupta conferred the Rashtriya Nashamukti Samman 2026 upon NGOs and individuals for their distinguished contribution to social causes, particularly in the field of de-addiction.
Shyam Jaju, Patron of Kashiyana Foundation and senior BJP leader, also addressed the gathering, while Foundation founder Sumit Ankur Singh highlighted the organisation’s activities and initiatives in the field of de-addiction.
BJP leaders, social activists, senior journalists and members associated with the Kashiyana Foundation were present at the programme.
