Bengaluru, June 28 (IANS) Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday called for collective efforts to achieve ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’, highlighting that every young life lost to addiction represents a loss of national potential.

Addressing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Conclave, organised by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in association with the Narcotics Control Bureau and Disha Bodh Foundation, the Vice President said that a Nasha Mukt Bharat is not merely about the absence of drugs but about promoting healthy choices, informed decisions, supportive families and resilient communities.

He said that to build a Nasha Mukt Bharat, the fight against substance abuse must begin with individuals and grow into a nationwide movement through the combined efforts of educational institutions, families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, and civil society.

Radhakrishnan, while attending the 31st Foundation Day of RGUHS at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, said that substance abuse threatens not only individual health but also educational attainment, productivity, social cohesion and national development.

Stressing that individuals must have complete control over their own minds, he remarked that when drugs take control of the mind, one loses control over one’s own life.

The Vice President said that every young life lost to addiction represents a loss of national potential.

He urged students, particularly future doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, researchers and public health professionals, to become ambassadors of awareness and play a leading role in prevention, treatment, research and evidence-based policymaking to address substance abuse.

Calling for greater research in addiction medicine, mental health, behavioural sciences and community-based interventions, he emphasised that evidence must guide action and research must inform policy.

The Vice President also underlined the importance of leveraging technology, counselling services and peer support networks in addressing substance use disorders.

Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice (Retd) Syed Abdul Nazeer, Karnataka Minister for Medical Education Dr Sharan Prakash R. Patil, Karnataka Minister for Health & Family Welfare U.T. Khader Fareed, Vice-Chancellor of RGUHS Bhagavan and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

–IANS

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