Over 800 young individuals, alongside volunteers and community members, converged in Leh on Sunday for a significant health walk. This event, themed ‘My Health, My Pride,’ was organized as part of the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat – 100 Sundays Campaign.’ The initiative aimed to foster physical fitness, promote healthy lifestyles, and raise critical awareness about the pervasive issue of substance abuse.
The walk commenced from Singay Namgyal Chowk, with Bhanu Prabha, Secretary of Higher Education, Technical Education, and Skill Development, officially flagging off the participants. Tajamul Ara, State Director of MY Bharat Ladakh, welcomed the enthusiastic crowd, commending the youth’s energetic participation and acknowledging the crucial support provided by the Union Territory Administration in orchestrating the program. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the campaign is designed to engage the youth through a variety of activities, underscoring the administration’s commitment to tackling drug abuse.
Along the designated route, the event was enlivened by ‘nukkad nataks’ (street plays), vibrant cultural performances, and targeted awareness activities. These segments were meticulously crafted to emphasize the paramount importance of maintaining good health and actively steering clear of drugs and other intoxicating substances. A powerful moment of collective commitment occurred when participants jointly took a mass pledge, vowing to embrace an active, healthy, and addiction-free way of life. This pledge signifies a personal and communal dedication to a drug-free future, a sentiment echoed across various community initiatives in the region.
Addressing the assembled gathering, Bhanu Prabha articulated the urgent necessity for continuous and sustained awareness efforts. She stressed the importance of educating young people about the devastating and harmful consequences associated with substance abuse. Prabha highlighted that the increasing pressures of academic competition, the influence of peer pressure, and the growing exposure to addictive substances make early intervention and robust awareness campaigns particularly vital. She emphasized that proactive measures are essential to equip young minds with the knowledge and resilience needed to resist such influences. The Secretary’s remarks underscored the multifaceted challenges faced by today’s youth and the need for comprehensive support systems.
Urging students and the broader youth demographic to make conscious and healthy choices, Bhanu Prabha encouraged active engagement in sports and academic pursuits. She advised them to resist negative influences that could potentially lead them toward substance abuse. Her address reinforced the message that safeguarding one’s personal health and future well-being should be the utmost priority for every young person. She further called upon the youth to assume the role of ambassadors for a healthy and drug-free society, thereby extending the campaign’s reach beyond the organized event. This call to action aims to empower young people to become agents of positive change within their communities.
Bhanu Prabha further elaborated on the strategic dissemination of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ message. She stated that this crucial message must permeate all levels of society, including schools, colleges, families, and communities at large. She stressed that parents, teachers, community leaders, and the youth themselves must actively participate in generating awareness and providing essential support for individuals who may be vulnerable to substance abuse. This inclusive approach recognizes that combating drug addiction requires a collective effort involving all stakeholders. The Secretary’s vision emphasizes a collaborative framework for prevention and support, ensuring that no segment of society is left behind in this critical endeavor.
The program culminated at the NDS Ground in Leh, where participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to championing healthy lifestyles and contributing significantly to the national aspiration of a drug-free India. The ‘100 Sundays Campaign,’ launched under the broader Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan, is strategically designed to involve youth through a diverse array of activities. These include sports, cultural programs, meditation sessions, and targeted awareness initiatives, all aimed at fostering and encouraging a healthy and addiction-free lifestyle. The campaign’s sustained approach over 100 Sundays is intended to create a lasting impact on the mindset and behaviors of the participating youth, embedding the principles of health and well-being into their daily lives and future aspirations. The consistent engagement aims to build a strong foundation for a generation that prioritizes health and actively rejects substance abuse.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.