Delhi University launches drug-free campus campaign

Delhi University (DU) on Tuesday launched its Drug Free Campus Campaign, a major initiative aimed at promoting a healthy, safe and value-driven academic environment, officials said.

The campaign was inaugurated by Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan at a programme held at the multipurpose hall of the DU Sports Complex. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attended the event as guest of honour, while Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood was present as special guest. The programme was presided over by DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Yogesh Singh.

On the occasion, the Vice-President also launched the Drug Free Campus portal and mobile application. An oath against drug abuse was administered to all attendees by the Vice-Chancellor.

Launching the campaign, Radhakrishnan said universities are not only centres of academic activity but also places where values are shaped. Calling the initiative historic, he said with collective cooperation and dedication, the movement could make not only the DU campus but the entire country drug free. Expressing pride as the Chancellor of DU, he added the university’s sustained awareness efforts would inspire citizens nationwide.

Highlighting the role of youth in national development, the Vice-President said the Prime Minister’s vision of making India the world’s number one economy by 2047 could be achieved only through empowered and drug-free youth. He said such youth acquire skills more easily, promote entrepreneurship and strengthen economic progress. He also warned the drug trade fuels narco-terrorism and generates profits at the cost of society and humanity.

Addressing students, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said drug addiction is neither freedom nor rebellion and warned that experimentation often leads to dependency, poor health and a ruined future. “Asking for help is not a weakness, but wisdom,” he said, urging students to use counselling and support systems and stressing that recovery is possible.

Pradhan said the university should build a campus culture that prioritises wellbeing and serve as a model for other higher education institutions, turning the initiative into a national movement.

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said campuses are foundations for character building and added that efforts would be made to implement the initiative across schools and colleges in Delhi.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh said the campaign aligns with the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” and reaffirmed DU’s commitment to becoming drug free. He also said the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute of DU has launched national Quit Tobacco helpline services to support people battling nicotine addiction and chronic illness.