Prayagraj: As per the instructions of the Governor’s Secretariat and under the guidance of the Vice Chancellor of Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University, Prayagraj, Prof. Satyakam, under the Drug Free India Campaign fortnight, a speech competition on the topic ‘Drug De-addiction Campaign: Public Participation and Challenges’ was organized by the Humanities Faculty of the University on Wednesday in the Lokmanya Tilak Shastrarth Auditorium located in the Saraswati Campus of the University.
The competition’s objective was to raise awareness among youth about the ill effects of drug addiction and to highlight the role of public participation in making society drug-free. Participants presented powerful views on the social, economic, family, and health-related ill effects of drug addiction. Speakers stated that drug addiction not only affects individual health but also poses a serious obstacle to the progress of the family, society, and nation. They urged youth to stay away from drugs and spread awareness in society.
In the competition, the participants presented their views on various topics like the increasing prevalence of drug addiction, its ill effects on youth, social awareness, family responsibility, role of education and building a drug-free India through public participation. Many participants, while emphasizing the collective responsibility of the government, educational institutions, parents and society, said that the problem of drug addiction can be solved not only through law but also through widespread public awareness and a positive social environment. The judges of the competition evaluated the participants on the basis of their understanding of the subject, presentation, logic, expression skills and effectiveness and appreciated the enthusiasm and awareness of the students.
The program was organized under the direction of Professor Satyapal Tiwari, Coordinator of the Faculty of Humanities, and students and researchers from various faculties of the university enthusiastically participated. Organizing Secretary Dr. Atul Kumar Mishra conducted the program, and Research Scholar Representative Mr. Sanjay Singh presented the vote of thanks. Directors, professors, assistant professors, officers, staff, researchers, and a large number of students from various faculties of the university were present on this occasion. It is noteworthy that this competition is a significant event in the series of the Drug Free India Campaign fortnight, which is being conducted at the university from July 24th to August 15th, 2026. Various programs are being organized under the campaign, including lectures, webinars, street plays, yoga, cleanliness drives, tree planting, awareness meetings, slogan writing, and drama competitions. The winners of these competitions will be honored by the University Vice Chancellor, Professor Satyakam, on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations on August 15th, 2026.
In another report, a march with slogan boards, scheduled for Wednesday under the auspices of the University’s School of Social Sciences as part of the Drug-Free India Campaign fortnight, was postponed due to rain. Professor S. Kumar, Director of the School of Social Sciences, stated that further information regarding this event will be issued.