Nizamabad, August 25, 2026: Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said that the active participation of youth is crucial in building a drug-free society. He urged young people to stay away from drugs and focus on education, sports, skill development, innovation and nation-building.

The Governor was speaking as the chief guest at an Anti-Drug Awareness Programme organised at the Bhoomareddy Convention Centre in Nizamabad as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. He said the campaign, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is developing into a mass public movement aimed not only at legal action against drugs but also at creating awareness, confidence and responsibility among youth.

Shukla appreciated the Telangana government’s EAGLE initiative and the efforts of the police department in controlling drug abuse. He stressed the need to strengthen anti-drug committees and awareness clubs in educational institutions, while expanding treatment, counselling and rehabilitation services.

The Governor called for coordinated efforts by the police, administration, educational institutions, parents and the public to create a drug-free society. Addressing students, he said the energy, talent and dreams of young people are among the country’s greatest assets and should never be sacrificed to drugs.

He urged youngsters to adopt self-control and sound judgement in life and to help friends who may be moving towards drug abuse instead of abandoning them. He called for the slogan “No to Drugs, Yes to Life” to become a commitment in every young person’s life.

Governor Shukla also highlighted the important role of parents and teachers in maintaining regular communication with children and creating an atmosphere of trust and affection. He said collective efforts by youth, families, educational institutions and local communities can effectively address social problems.

Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind also urged students and youth to stay away from drugs, saying that addiction leads to destruction.

Earlier, the Governor unveiled an Anti-Drug Awareness flexi carrying one lakh signatures and administered the Nasha Mukt pledge to students and youth. He also presented mementos to winners of essay-writing and elocution competitions conducted under the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign.

Governor’s Special Chief Secretary M. Dana Kishore, Nizamabad Mayor Uma Rani, Nizamabad Urban MLA Dhanpal Suryanarayana Gupta, Armur MLA P. Rakesh Reddy, Nizamabad District Collector Bhavesh Mishra and Nizamabad Police Commissioner P. Sai Chaitanya attended the programme, which saw participation from a large number of students and youngsters.