Anthropology Dept Hosts Awareness Drive on Drug-Free Youth for Developed India

(Prayagraj Bureau)
Prayagraj : The Department of Anthropology, University of Allahabad, held a powerful awareness event on Friday titled “Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India”, aligning with the Youth Spiritual Summit being organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in Varanasi.

The central aim of the program was to educate young students about the harmful effects of drug addiction, encourage them to stay away from intoxicants, and reinforce their active role in nation-building. The department emphasized that the initiative is a crucial part of the “Kashi Declaration”, a national roadmap being shaped under youth leadership to foster a healthy, addiction-free, and developed India.

Prof. Rahul Patel, Head of the Anthropology Department, led the event by engaging students in a detailed discussion on various forms of narcotic substances, their psychological and physiological consequences, and their impact on society. He emphasized the deep-rooted harm caused by substance abuse and the importance of youth vigilance.

Dr. Shailendra Mishra, while addressing the gathering, highlighted the urgent need for continuous counseling and psychological support for those trapped in the cycle of addiction. He stressed the importance of compassionate intervention and awareness at the grassroots level.

Adding to the discourse, Dr. Khirod Chandra Moharana focused on the rehabilitation and reintegration of addicted youth into mainstream society. He emphasized that societal acceptance and institutional support are vital to helping such individuals rebuild their lives.

Toward the end of the event, Prof. Patel administered a solemn pledge to all students, faculty, and staff present — vowing to stay away from intoxicants, never engage in substance abuse, and actively educate others about the dangers of addiction.

The event witnessed active participation from faculty members, staff, and students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Department members including Swaminath, Amita Yadav, Sunil Chauhan, Premchand, Veerpal, and Shekhar were present and contributed to the smooth organization of the event.

This initiative reflects the growing awareness within academic spaces of the critical need to empower youth against addiction, and aligns with the government’s larger mission to create a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) driven by healthy, responsible, and aware young citizens.