Students Urged to Motivate Five Peers to Stay Away from Drugs: DC Shimla

Shimla, December 19, 2025:

Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap called on students to take an active role in the fight against substance abuse, urging each of them to motivate at least five fellow students to stay away from drugs. He was speaking at an anti-drug awareness programme held at Rajiv Gandhi Government College (Kotshaira).

Kashyap said the district is intensifying awareness drives in schools and colleges following the launch of the state-wide Anti-Chitta Campaign by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. He encouraged students to pledge never to consume or promote drugs and to report any drug-related concerns to college authorities or the district administration.

SSP Shimla Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi advised students to be selective and responsible while consuming information on social media, and to stay focused on goals to avoid falling into addiction.

ADM Protocol Jyoti Rana warned that chitta is highly destructive and urged students to stay away from its influence. CMO Shimla Dr Yashpal Ranta explained the severe health risks of chitta addiction and highlighted the availability of treatment options at the Himachal Mental Health and Rehabilitation Hospital in Shimla.

College Principal Dr Gopal Chauhan thanked the administration for engaging with students and shared that the college drama team won second place nationally for a performance themed on drug abuse.