SHIMLA: Governor of Himachal Pradesh Kavinder Gupta on Sunday called upon the youth to take the lead in promoting health awareness, combating stigma and discrimination, and strengthening the spirit of humanitarian service in society.
Addressing the closing ceremony of ‘Swasthya Manthan-2026’, a national youth festival and conclave on “Harnessing Youth Leadership for a Healthier Tomorrow”, organised by Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, in collaboration with the State and District Red Cross Society, Himachal Pradesh, and the NCC Unit of HPNLU, the Governor said the theme was highly relevant in the present times.
Congratulating the winners of various competitions and all participants, Gupta said young people were not only the future of the country but also its greatest strength today. Their awareness, sensitivity and active participation, he said, were essential to building a healthier and more inclusive society.
The Governor, who is also President of the State Red Cross, said health extended beyond hospitals and medical treatment and was equally connected with dignity, equality, awareness and social justice. He stressed the need to dispel misconceptions and eliminate discrimination against people living with health conditions, saying society must fight ignorance and stigma alongside disease.
Urging young people to become ambassadors of authentic health information, Gupta called upon them to challenge myths and misconceptions and encourage people to seek appropriate healthcare and counselling whenever necessary. He said law was not merely a collection of rules and provisions but an instrument for protecting the dignity, equality and rights of individuals.
He emphasised that the convergence of public health, law and psychology was essential for building a healthy body, a healthy mind and a sensitive society.
Calling upon participants to carry the spirit of responsibility beyond the festival, the Governor said, “Leadership is not defined by position or authority; true leadership is defined by responsibility and service.”
He urged the youth to work towards a society where people could seek help without fear, patients were treated with dignity, accurate health information reached every section of society and no individual faced discrimination because of a health condition.
Gupta congratulated HPNLU, Youth Red Cross, the State and District Red Cross, NCC, faculty members and the organising committee for successfully conducting Swasthya Manthan-2026. He expressed hope that the deliberations would inspire new initiatives in health awareness, youth leadership and humanitarian service across the country before formally declaring the conclusion of the event.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor of HPNLU Prof. Priti Saxena welcomed the Governor on the occasion.
