HPU Campus Echoes with Energy and Slogans: Students Run, Paint and Write Against Drugs
Shimla, May 22:
The campus of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) came alive with youthful energy and resolve as students ran, painted, and raised powerful slogans for a drug-free Himachal. A marathon titled “Run for a Drug-Free Himachal” marked the second phase of a two-part anti-drug campaign organised by the Office of the Dean Students’ Welfare in collaboration with the Departments of Public Administration and Physical Education.
Flagged off from the University Library by Dean Students’ Welfare Prof. Mamta Mokta, the marathon witnessed the participation of over 150 students from various departments.
Present at the event were Chief Warden Prof. R.L. Zinta, Chairperson of the Physical Education Department Prof. Hari Singh, along with Dr. Yashwant Harta, Dr. Manohar Sharma, Dr. Rajiya Sultan, and Chief Security Officer Shri G.D. Sharma.
The students didn’t just run—they roared through the campus in a spirited procession, chanting slogans like “Say No to Drugs” and “Nasha Mukt Himachal – Hamara Sankalp”, drawing the attention of onlookers and inspiring many.
Marathon Winners:
In the girls’ category, Bina Chauhan from Zoology bagged the first position, followed by Jyotika, Babita, and Yamini from Physical Education. In the boys’ category, Nitesh Singhta from Commerce topped the chart, with Harish, Mohit, and Kishori from Physical Education taking the next ranks. All winners received cash prizes for their performance.
Prof. Mamta Mokta, in her address, emphasized that fighting drug abuse isn’t the sole job of the government.
“It’s a collective social mission that needs vigilance, compassion, and active participation from every citizen—especially our youth,” she said. Chief Warden Prof. Zinta spoke about the importance of prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation, while Shri G.D. Sharma briefed students about the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
First Phase Highlights – May 7:
The campaign’s first phase included painting and slogan writing competitions on campus. In painting (Theme: “Together for a Drug-Free Future”), Nitish Kumar from Visual Arts secured the top spot and Rs 2100. Abha Ladohia came second (Rs 1500), Shashi third (Rs 1000), and Vishwajeet from Data Science & AI received a consolation prize (Rs 800).
In slogan writing (Theme: “Say No to Drugs”), Rupali from Hindi Department took first place (Rs 2100), followed by Avni from Public Administration and Ravish from Hindi. Aarti from English Department got the consolation prize.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajender Singh Verma honoured the winners of the first phase during the prize distribution ceremony held earlier this month.
Prof. Mokta thanked faculty from the Hindi and Visual Arts departments for their support in making both phases of the campaign impactful.
With vibrant posters, bold slogans, and determined steps echoing across the campus, the message rang loud and clear—HPU students are stepping up as the new frontline in the battle against drugs.
#NashaMuktHimachal
#YouthAgainstDrugs
#HPUForChange
#TogetherDrugFreeFuture
