Talking Points for the use of Hon’ble Vice-President of India at the Inaugural Programme of the Drug Free Campus Campaign of the University of Delhi on 13 January 2026

I touch and salute the holy feet of Bharat Mata- The Most Powerful and the most Merciful. Hon’ble Minister of Education, Government of India, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji, Minister of Education, Government of Delhi, Shri Ashish Sood Ji, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, Prof. Yogesh Singh Ji, Dean of Colleges, Prof. Balaram Pani Ji.

I am pleased to be here today at the inauguration of the Drug Free Campus Campaign of the University of Delhi—an initiative that strongly aligns with the national vision of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Universities are not merely centres of academic learning; they are the places where values are shaped, leadership is nurtured, and the future of the nation is forged. When an institution like the University of Delhi takes a firm stand against substance abuse, it sends a powerful message—not only to its students, but to society at large. I am also happy to note that a dedicated e-pledge platform and App, created under the banner of “Nasha Mukt Parisar Abhiyaan” are being launched today.

I urge students from more and more universities to join this initiative and take the online pledge. Hon’ble Education Minister Shri Dharmender Pradhan Ji is also here who is a very dynamic and visionary person. I will request Shri Pradhan Ji to ensure that Drug Free campus campaign becomes a part of all the central higher educational institutions. I am also happy to see that Shri Ashish Sood, Hon’ble Education Minister of Delhi is also here. I also request him to ensure that similar campaigns are also held in all the high schools of Delhi. India is privileged to have a primarly young population. Substance abuse is not just a personal issue; it is a social challenge, a public health concern, and a threat to our demographic dividend that is the youth population. It affects physical health, mental well-being, academic performance, family harmony, and ultimately, national security, our progress and productivity. The vision of a Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat can be realized only when our youth remain drug-free, healthy, and purpose-driven. Young people are the nation’s greatest asset their talent, innovation, and productivity form the backbone of India’s economic growth and self-reliance.

India is also one of the fastest growing economy and is very soon going to be the third largest economy of the world. A drug-free youth is better equipped to acquire skills, foster entrepreneurship, and uphold ethical values, thereby strengthening the economic progress of the nation. Moreover, the drug trade is closely linked to narco terrorism, where the proceeds from illicit drugs are used to finance organized crime and terror networks, directly threatening national security. A drug free youth is therefore not only essential for personal and economic development but also for safeguarding the sovereignty and stability of the nation. Under the visionary leadership of our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched on 15 August 2020, as a movement driven by awareness, treatment, and community participation.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched initially in 272 Districts which were most vulnerable in terms of substance abuse.  This Abhiyaan has since become a cornerstone in India’s fight against drug abuse, having been expanded to cover all the Districts of India. Today’s campaign reflects that very spirit. The initiatives such as the MY Bharat Portal, which has more than two crores registrations, and the PM Anusandhan Yojana are also playing a crucial role in channelising the energy and intellect of youth towards research, innovation, volunteering, and the nation-building. Dear students, you are at a stage of life, full of dreams, ambition, and boundless potential. Choices made during these formative years can define the trajectory of your future. Substance abuse promises negative pleasure but delivers long-term harm. True freedom lies not in addiction, but in self-discipline, clarity of thought and stable mind.
The ancient Indian philosophy placed great importance on self-discipline, mental balance, and purity of body and mind, which left no scope for substance abuse. Our Vedas and Upanishads emphasized Sanyam and sattvic living, and awareness of the consequences of one’s actions. In ancient universities such as Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshashila, student life followed strict codes of conduct that promoted simplicity, meditation, ethical living and respect for teachers. These institutions relied more on value-based education, community vigilance and inner discipline rather than punishment. The National Education Policy 2020 launched under the vision and foresight of our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji, strongly reflects our ancient ethos and strengthens the aim of holistic development of students with focus on mental health, life skills and well being. By promoting multi-disciplinary learning, critical thinking, and student-centric support systems, the policy recognizes that a healthy mind and body are essential for meaningful education.

Initiatives such as this Drug Free Campus Campaign resonate deeply with the spirit of NEP 2020, as they aim to create safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environments where students can realize their full potential without the burden of addiction. A drug-free campus is not merely about prohibition—it is also about empowerment. It is about creating safe spaces for dialogue, strengthening peer support systems and ensuring that help is available without stigma. It is about replacing vulnerability with resilience and despair with hope. I commend the University of Delhi for integrating awareness programs, counselling mechanisms, student-led initiatives, and collaborations with stakeholders to address this issue holistically. When students become ambassadors of change, the impact multiplies beyond the campus and reaches homes and communities. I firmly believe that a Nasha Mukt Bharat can be achieved through the collective will of educators, parents, administrators, healthcare professionals, and most importantly, young citizens who choose responsibility over risk.

On this occasion, I urge every student here to: Be informed and vigilant, Support friends who may be struggling, Speak up against substance abuse and Lead by example Let this campaign not remain a one-day event, but evolve into a sustained people’s movement rooted in compassion, awareness, and action. I am confident that the University of Delhi will emerge as a model drug-free campus, inspiring institutions across the country and contributing meaningfully to the vision of a healthy and strong society. We must create a drug free Bharat, to achieve our goal of a Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. With these words, I congratulate the University of Delhi on this significant initiative and wish the Drug Free Campus Campaign every success. Jai Hind! Long Live Mother Bharat!