Bareilly: District-level competitions under the campaign “Drug-Free Youth for Developed India” were organised at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University (MJPRU), Bareilly, with the objective of spreading awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and encouraging young people to participate in positive, creative and socially constructive activities.
The programme was organised by MY Bharat, Bareilly, under the guidance of MY Bharat Deputy Director Pushpa Singh. The initiative was conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, as part of efforts to promote a drug-free society and encourage youth participation in nation-building activities.
Young participants enthusiastically took part in a range of competitions, including folk music, dance, street plays and mime acts, painting, debate, reel and short-film making, slogan writing and slam poetry. Through their performances and creative presentations, participants highlighted the dangers of substance abuse and conveyed messages promoting de-addiction, healthy lifestyles and positive thinking.
Member of the State Commission for Women Pushpa Pandey was the chief guest at the event. Colonel (Retd) Pankaj Agarwal, Prof AK Singh and Dr Jyoti Pandey attended as special guests. The programme commenced with floral tributes to Goddess Saraswati and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
University students Pragati Mishra, Sunaina Saxena and Shraddha presented songs and poems during the event, receiving appreciation from the audience. The programme was hosted by Pranav and Lavi.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Pushpa Pandey said substance abuse weakens the energy, capabilities and talent of young people. She emphasised that drug-free youth are essential for building a healthy society and a developed nation.
Pandey urged young people to stay away from drugs and channel their energy towards education, sports, arts and other constructive activities. She said initiatives organised by MY Bharat provide an important platform for young people to showcase their talents while also spreading awareness about the need for a drug-free society.
Other speakers also highlighted the serious social and personal consequences of substance abuse and encouraged youth to adopt healthy and positive lifestyles. They said the youth constitute one of the country’s greatest strengths and that directing their energy towards constructive goals would be crucial to achieving the vision of a developed India.
Participants who secured first, second and third positions in the various competitions were honoured with mementoes and certificates. Certificates were also presented to all participating contestants in recognition of their involvement.
MY Bharat National Youth Volunteers played an important role in the successful conduct of the programme. They assisted with registration, guest arrangements, stage management, photography, refreshments and other organisational responsibilities.
Among those present were Prof Ruchi Gupta, Prof Jyoti Sharma, Dr Akanksha Rastogi, Dr Preeti Singh, Dr Himshikha Yadav, Dr Priyanshu Agarwal, Dr Priya Saxena, Dr Afsana, Dr Vishwadeep, Dr Raffan Ali, Dr Shobha Kudesia, Dr Anil Kumar Bisht, Dr Vimal Kumar, Tapan Kumar, Himanshi and social worker Bhupendra Singh, besides university faculty members, students and other dignitaries.
The programme concluded with participants collectively reaffirming their commitment to building a drug-free society and a developed India. They also pledged to encourage people in their communities to stay away from substance abuse and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Report from Bareilly by Akhilesh Chandra Saxena
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