Governor Flags Off Anti-Drug Campaign from Rohru with Mass Student Rally
Rohru | June 16
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Sunday kickstarted a large-scale anti-drug awareness campaign from Rohru in Shimla district, leading a massive rally of school students, Mahila Mandals, and Panchayati Raj representatives.
The rally, stretching from Rohru market to Raja Virbhadra Singh Government College Seema, saw participants carrying banners and slogans urging youth to stay away from drugs.
Addressing the public at the college grounds, the Governor said, “This campaign is not political—it's a pledge to save Himachal.”
He warned against the rising threat of drug abuse, calling on citizens to treat it as a social emergency.
“I am here not for politics but to protect our future. Drugs have no place in a state known for its culture, values, and spirituality,” he added.
Joined by Education Minister Rohit Thakur and MLA Mohan Lal Brakta, the Governor lauded the students’ participation as a sign of hope.
The campaign, he said, draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and complements the state's strict anti-drug laws passed in the Vidhan Sabha.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur stressed the need to keep youth engaged in agriculture and horticulture, especially in upper Shimla, warning that synthetic drugs threaten both society and the economy. “Only a drug-free youth can carry forward our state's future,” he said.
MLA Mohan Lal Brakta thanked the Governor for choosing Rohru to launch the initiative and promised full support in spreading the campaign message across his constituency.
The event featured a presentation by narcotics and public health expert Dr. Akil Sharma, cultural performances by students, and a vote of thanks by College Principal Lalita Rawat.
