‘Safeguarding youth from substance abuse an urgent national responsibility’

Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) vice chancellor B.C. Bhagavan on January 13, said safeguarding the youth from substance abuse is an urgent national responsibility, noting that drug addiction is closely linked to depression and emotional distres.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Nashamuktha Bharat Abhiyana and Organ Donation walkathon and awareness programme, organised by the University and Alva’s Education Foundation during the 85th All India Inter-University Athletics Championship 2025–26 in Moodbidri.

Dr. Bhagavan announced that yoga and meditation sessions would be introduced in colleges with the support of Dishabodh Foundation to promote mental and physical well-being among students. He urged students to draw inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s vision of a stong and empowered youth to create a drug-free nation.

The programme started with a floral tribute to Rani Abbakka Devi and a performance of the state anthem by Alva’s college cultural troupe. A walkathon to raise awareness about organ donation and substance abuse was then launched from the Rani Abbakka Devi statue near Chowta Palace.

Participants marched through Venkataramana Temple Road, Hanuman Temple Main Road and Navami Circle and assembled at Swaraj Maidan. Students carried placards with messages, stating, “Say No to Drugs”, “Walking Away from Drugs“ and “Healthy Society Begins with a Drug-Free Life.”

About 3,000 students from RGUHS, Visvesvaraya Technological University and Mangalore University institutions under AEF took part in the walkathon. Dr. Bhagavan also administered an oath pledging a drug-free life and commitment towards organ donation.

Chairman of Allied and Healthcare Council of Karnataka Iftikar Ali, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Mohammed Mohsin, SDM Society vice-president, D. Surendra Kumar, RGUHS registrar Arjun Odeyar, Alva’s trustees Vivek and Vinay Alva and others were present.