In a bid to combat youth addiction and promote mental well-being,Shruti N.S.,Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order),launched the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva–Viksit Bharat’ initiative on Sunday at JSS College in Dharwad. The program aims to encourage students to engage in daily meditation as a means to enhance focus and control over their thoughts.
During her address, Shruti emphasized the alarming trend of substance abuse among the youth, noting that many individuals fall victim to addictions,including drugs and ganja, which can lead to devastating consequences. "Students can keep their minds under control by practising meditation every day . This helps improve concentration," she stated, urging attendees to adopt mindfulness practices.
Referencing the teachings of Swami Vivekananda,she encouraged young people to set personal goals and persistently strive for their achievement. The DCP's remarks come amid rising concerns about the impact of narcotics on the younger generation,with many becoming entangled in a cycle of addiction that jeopardizes their futures.
Ajit Prasad, secretary of Janata Shikshana Samiti, echoed these sentiments,highlighting the growing issue of excessive mobile phone usage among students, which he described as a form of addiction in itself. He pointed out that the physical and mental stress stemming from narcotic use is detrimental, stating,"Drugs such as heroin have a harmful effect on human brain. When a person is under influence of drugs, they lose mental control and may become involved in criminal activities."
Shashidhar Narendra, another speaker at event, reinforced the idea that fear and discouragement can hinder academic success. He encouraged students to approach their studies with confidence, asserting that overcoming these mental barriers is essential for achieving their goals.
The program was organized in collaboration with the MY Bharat Centre,the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Janata Shikshana Samiti,and the Sri Kumareshwar Cultural Society. Notable attendees included Arihant Prasad,administrator of JSS, and Mahaveer Upadhyay, principal of JSS ITI,along with youth officer Sangram Sawant and others. The initiative seeks to foster a healthier,more focused generation capable of resisting the allure of drugs and distractions.






