View education as a tool to serve society, promote innovation: Governor

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today chaired the closing ceremony of the ‘Viksit Bharat Youth Leadership Dialogue and Drug-Free India Campaign’ at Sardar Patel University (SPU), Mandi, emphasising the pivotal role of young people in shaping India’s future. Addressing students, he said the energy, creativity and curiosity of India’s youth would lead the nation towards becoming a developed country by 2047.

The Governor said youth were central to fulfilling the vision of a developed India, as they drive innovation, progress and meaningful social change. He urged students to view education not merely as a path to employment but as a tool to serve society, promote innovation and contribute to national development.

Stressing discipline and leadership qualities, he highlighted India’s rapid economic growth, stating that the country, currently the world’s fourth-largest economy, was poised to surpass Germany next year to become the third largest economy. He credited the rise of start-ups, digital transformation, space achievements and expanding infrastructure to the efforts and determination of young citizens.

Governor Shukla focused on the urgent need for drug de-addiction, warning that narcotics damage individuals, families, society and the nation’s progress. He said there was a deliberate attempt to trap youth in synthetic drugs. Collective societal efforts were needed to counter it. “A strong and developed India is possible only when the youth are aware, disciplined and drug free,” he said, urging students to channel their energy into sports, yoga, music, art and other constructive pursuits.

Calling for zero tolerance towards drugs, he highlighted the importance of awareness, open communication, family support and the role of educational institutions. He also spoke about his ‘Drug-Free Himachal’ campaign, launched from higher education institutions and now expanded to panchayat levels. The Governor praised the state government’s meaningful steps in combating drug abuse and asked the university’s Vice-Chancellor to prioritise sports and yoga for overall student well-being.

Expressing appreciation for SPU’s academic and social contributions, he said the university had emerged as a centre of knowledge, research and national awareness. During the event, he inaugurated a blood donation camp, visited a painting exhibition and released a photo book on Sardar Patel’s inspirational journey. He also honoured winners of story writing, speech, painting and poetry competitions held under the Viksit Bharat and Drug-Free India initiatives, saying the talent and determination of youth would guide India’s development.