Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya has stressed the importance of educational institutions in the fight against drug abuse, calling for coordinated efforts by families, schools, colleges, civil society organisations and government agencies to protect young people from addiction.
Acharya made the remarks during his ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padayatra campaign across Assam. On September 29, he participated in an anti-drug awareness programme in Diphu, Karbi Anglong, where students, social organisations, ex-servicemen, civil society representatives and government officials joined the campaign.
Schools and Colleges Have Important Role
The Governor said educational institutions can play an important role in preventing substance abuse among young people by promoting awareness, discipline and healthy lifestyles.
Schools and colleges provide an important setting for reaching students at an early stage and helping them understand the physical, social and educational consequences associated with drug abuse.
Acharya has repeatedly called for young people’s energy to be directed towards education, skill development, sports and innovation. He said the country’s youth form an important part of its future and need opportunities that encourage productive and responsible participation in society.
Awareness Beyond Enforcement
During his campaign, Acharya has emphasised that tackling drug abuse requires more than law enforcement.
Speaking at a programme in Tinsukia earlier in September, the Governor said policing and enforcement were important but a drug-free society also required collective action from families, schools, civil society and local administrations.
The approach places greater emphasis on prevention and awareness alongside action against drug trafficking and distribution.
Students Participate in Anti-Drug Campaign
Students have been prominent participants in the Governor’s state-wide awareness campaign.
In Dhubri, a large number of school and college students joined the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padyatra along with representatives of social organisations and members of the public. The programme focused on raising awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and encouraging community participation in prevention efforts.
The participation of educational institutions has given the campaign a strong youth-focused component.
Youth at Centre of Drug-Free Assam Efforts
Acharya has described young people as a key part of efforts to build a healthier and more developed society. At his Diphu programme, he said the strength of the nation lies in its youth and called for their energy to be channelled towards education, sports, skills and innovation.
This focus is particularly relevant for Assam, where authorities have been increasing efforts to address drug trafficking, addiction and rehabilitation.
The state government has also announced plans to establish government-run rehabilitation centres in every Assembly constituency and said private rehabilitation facilities would be subject to greater scrutiny.
Community Participation Remains Essential
The Governor has called for communities to take an active role in preventing substance abuse. Families, educational institutions, social organisations and religious institutions can contribute through awareness programmes, early intervention and support for people undergoing rehabilitation.
At the Dhubri programme, residents were encouraged to participate collectively in efforts to build a healthier and drug-free society.
Such community participation can complement government measures aimed at prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign Across Assam
Acharya’s padayatra is part of a wider state-level outreach campaign under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp initiative. He has travelled to several districts, including Tinsukia, Barpeta, Dhubri and Karbi Anglong, to promote awareness against substance abuse.
In Barpeta, he urged people from different sections of society to work together to protect the younger generation from addiction.
The campaign has brought together students, government officials, youth representatives, social organisations and local residents.
Focus on Prevention and Rehabilitation
The emphasis on schools and colleges comes alongside broader efforts to strengthen rehabilitation and address the supply of illegal drugs.
For educational institutions, prevention can include awareness programmes, counselling support, sports and extracurricular activities, and creating an environment where students can seek help when facing substance-related problems.
For those already affected by addiction, rehabilitation and continued community support remain important components of recovery.
Assam Steps Up Anti-Drug Efforts
The Governor’s appeal highlights the need for a multi-level response to drug abuse in Assam. While enforcement agencies continue to address trafficking, the government is also focusing on rehabilitation and public awareness.
With schools and colleges being important spaces for reaching young people, their involvement could form a significant part of the state’s prevention strategy.
As the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padayatra continues across Assam, the emphasis remains on bringing government institutions, educational organisations, families and communities together in efforts to address drug abuse and promote healthier opportunities for the state’s youth.