Students at UPES Sensitized Against Drug Abuse Under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

DM Dr. Ashish Chauhan urges youth to stay away from drugs and adopt a positive, creative and healthy lifestyle

Emphasis on awareness, self-discipline and collective efforts to curb the spread of substance abuse

Street play and cultural performances convey the message of a drug-free society

Dehradun, September 22, 2026: A workshop was organised at the UPES campus in Bidholi, Prem Nagar, Dehradun, under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to sensitise students about the harmful effects of drug and substance abuse. The programme was jointly organised by the District Administration, Dehradun Social Welfare Department and UPES. A large number of students participated in the workshop. The programme commenced and concluded with the national song and national anthem.

District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan attended the programme as the chief guest and interacted with the students, urging them to stay away from substance abuse. He said that every individual gets opportunities and choices in life, and it is important to make the right choices for one’s future. He called upon students to choose positive, creative and healthy alternatives and completely stay away from drugs.

The District Magistrate said that a person who falls into the trap of substance abuse not only harms themselves but also affects their family and society. He explained that drug use can become a kind of “dopamine trap”, gradually drawing a person deeper into addiction. He stressed that self-analysis, self-discipline and self-control are essential to avoid such situations.

He said that addressing substance abuse, which is a serious social challenge, requires sustained and collective efforts. Government departments, administration, police, educational institutions, social organisations, parents and citizens must work together to create greater awareness against drug abuse.

Dr. Chauhan said that young people are particularly vulnerable to those involved in the illegal drug trade. Therefore, it is essential to educate them about the physical, mental, social and economic consequences of substance abuse.

He informed that awareness workshops are being encouraged in universities and colleges across the district so that students can be sensitised to the harmful effects of drug abuse and motivated to adopt a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.

City SP Uses Storytelling to Sensitise Students

City Superintendent of Police Shekhar Chandra Suyal sensitised students about the consequences of drug abuse through an impactful story. He said that combating substance abuse cannot be the responsibility of any single department and requires collective efforts from all sections of society.

He urged young people to stay away from drugs themselves and encourage their friends, family members and people around them to understand the harmful consequences of substance abuse.

Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Smrita Parmar, UPES Vice Chancellor Manish Madan and special guest Lalit Joshi also addressed the students and encouraged them to stay away from drugs and adopt a healthy and positive lifestyle.

Street Play and Cultural Performances Spread Drug-Free Message

During the workshop, students presented a street play and cultural programmes to raise awareness about substance abuse. The performances highlighted the harmful effects of drugs, the social and family problems associated with addiction, and the importance of quitting drugs and helping others stay away from substance abuse.

A pledge was also administered to the students and other participants, encouraging them to stay away from drugs and contribute to building a drug-free society.

Officials appealed to students to remain personally committed to a drug-free lifestyle and spread awareness among their friends, family members and communities. Emphasis was also laid on making young people active participants in the campaign against substance abuse.

Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Smrita Parmar, City Superintendent of Police Shekhar Chandra Suyal, UPES Vice Chancellor Manish Madan, special guest Lalit Joshi, District Education Officer Prem Lal Bharti, Additional Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rohit Gondwal, Dr. Pradeep Rana, District Social Welfare Officer Deepankar Ghildiyal, officials from concerned departments, Dr. Deepa Mehra Rawat, Dr. Rohit Rastogi, UPES faculty members and a large number of students were present at the programme.