Governor calls for youth-led action for a clean, healthy and drug-Free Himachal

SHIMLA 27 September, 2026

· Governor addresses 25th edition of Rotary Club Shimla Midtown’s annual ‘Manthan’

· Urges students to make environmental protection and social responsibility a part of daily life

Governor Kavinder Gupta today attended the 25th edition of the annual programme ‘Manthan’ organized by Rotary Club Shimla Midtown. He congratulated the office-bearers and members of the club on completing 25 editions of the programme and appreciated the initiative for promoting awareness and social responsibility among students.

More than 400 students from schools in and around Shimla, along with around 150 teachers, parents and members of the Rotary Club, participated in the programme. Competitions and activities were organized on important themes including environmental concerns, population-related challenges and prevention of drug abuse.

Appreciating the creativity and enthusiasm of the participating students, the Governor said that the issues being addressed through ‘Manthan’ were among the important challenges facing society and would also shape the future of coming generations.

Expressing concern over the State’s fragile ecology, Kavinder Gupta said that Himachal’s forests, water sources, rivers, glaciers, mountains and biodiversity were not only natural assets but also a legacy for future generations.

He called for a balance between development and environmental protection and urged students and youth to make water conservation, protection of forests, waste management, reduction in plastic use, clean energy and environment-friendly lifestyles part of their daily lives.

The Governor said that drug abuse affects not only an individual’s health but also families, society and the nation’s youth power. The fight against drugs, therefore, required the active participation of families, educational institutions, society, voluntary organizations and, most importantly, young people.

Referring to the Government of India’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, he called for collective efforts to transform the vision of Nasha Mukt Himachal into a people’s movement.

Addressing the students, the Governor said, “Saying no to drugs is not only about protecting your own life; it is also about safeguarding the future of your family and society.” He urged students to support friends facing difficulties rather than ridicule them and to help them access appropriate guidance and support.