Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla flagged off the ‘Drug-Free Mandi’ campaign from the Government Central Primary School in Janjheli, Mandi district. The event saw enthusiastic participation from school students, Mahila Mandals, and local residents. Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also marked his presence, lending weight to the initiative.
Addressing a large public gathering, Governor Shukla emphasized the need for collective societal action to eradicate the growing menace of drug abuse. Visiting the scenic Seraj valley for the first time, he praised its natural beauty and expressed his commitment to preserving it through awareness campaigns inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free India.
The Governor underscored the vital roles of Panchayati Raj institutions, women groups, students, and the media in spreading awareness. He pointed out that social stigma often prevents families from addressing addiction issues openly, calling for a change in attitude. “To end any social evil, the entire society must unite,” he stated.
He also applauded the unanimous support of all members of the State Legislative Assembly in passing anti-drug legislation and thanked the state government for its support in the campaign. Shukla linked drug trafficking to national security, warning that countries like Pakistan may attempt to destabilize India through indirect means such as drug smuggling.
Recalling the legacy of valor associated with Himachal Pradesh, the Governor invoked the memory of Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee, expressing concern over the future of such warriors if society succumbs to drugs.
The Governor lauded the efforts of Balwad Panchayat’s women for their grassroots campaign against substance abuse and felicitated them. He also announced a contribution of ₹15,000 from his discretionary fund to honor Radha Devi of Mandi, who won three silver medals at the Paralympic Games in Italy.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur praised the Governor’s initiative, stressing that the fight against drugs is not a one-day affair but a sustained movement. He highlighted the crucial role women play in this struggle and expressed concern about the rising use of synthetic drugs among youth. “If mothers decide, no drug can enter our homes,” he affirmed.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan presented the district’s roadmap for the anti-drug campaign, and SP Sakshi Verma elaborated on enforcement, rehabilitation, and awareness strategies. The women of Navchetna Mandal, Khamrar, also presented a cultural programme focusing on drug de-addiction.
MLAs Vinod Kumar, Rakesh Jamwal, Surender Shourie, Inder Singh Gandhi, Dalip Singh Thakur, Deep Raj, Purn Chand Thakur, Lokinder Kumar, former MLA Ravi Thakur, Zila Parishad Chairman Pal Verma, and Secretary to the Governor C.P. Verma were present during the event.
