The Drug Enforcement Administration celebrates its 41st anniversary on Tuesday, marking more than four decades of dedicated efforts to combat drug crime. drug trafficking and substance abuse issues across the country.To mark the occasion, a National Youth Mobilization Program was organized at nearly 40 locations including Delhi, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Raipur, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Agartala for a drug-free India.The programs feature anti-drug pledges, awareness-raising sessions, rallies and heritage walks with a focus on preventing substance abuse, promoting drug-free lifestyles, strengthening institutional partnerships and engaging directly with youth. The day-long event highlights the health, psychological, social and legal impacts of substance abuse, as well as prevention strategies, early warning signs, pathways to recovery and available support systems.Participants recognize the harmful effects of substance abuse, its social and legal implications, and the importance of making wise, healthy life choices. Students and educators are also encouraged to actively promote NCB’s MANAS Helpline (1933) for reporting information related to substance abuse and trafficking and seeking assistance.A large number of students took an oath against drug abuse during a program organized by Sri Venkateswara College in Delhi. Fitness influencer Ankit Bayanpuriya spoke on the occasion and emphasized the importance of health and fitness and motivated students to stay away from drugs.In Jodhpur, a heritage walk involving around 400 participants was organized at the iconic Ghanta Ghar under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ to create awareness about drug abuse and promote a healthy lifestyle. In Chandigarh, Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management organized a promotional event in which around 250 students participated.Kashmir University of Agriculture and Technology organized a meditation session in collaboration with Sri Ramchandra Mission. In Bengaluru, around 5,000 students participated in a walkathon and awareness program at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, which included a walkathon and a session on the ill effects of drug abuse.
