Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla presided over the closing ceremony of the ‘Viksit Bharat Youth Leadership Dialogue and Drug-Free India Campaign’ at Sardar Patel University, Mandi on Thursday.
Addressing the audience on the occasion, he said, “Energy, curiosity and creativity of the youth would make India a developed nation by the year-2047 and the role of youth was the most important in fulfilling the resolve of a developed India as they play a crucial role in driving the Nation’s dreams forward”.
He urged the students not to see education only as a path to a career, but as a means for social change, innovation and service towards the Nation and exhorted them to develop leadership qualities along with discipline in one’s life.
Emphasizing the need to campaign for drug de-addiction he said, “Drugs harm not only individuals but also their families, society and hamper the progress of the nation; there is a deliberate attempt to trap youth in synthetic drugs, and society must come together to stop this”, he added.
He said, “A developed, strong and drug-free India is possible only when youth are aware, disciplined and dedicated and urged youth to believe in their abilities, use their energy positively, stay away from drugs and help others stay away from them as well”.
He requested the Vice-Chancellor to give priority to yoga and sports activities in the university.
The Governor said the Sardar Patel University has emerged as an important centre of knowledge, research and national awareness and congratulated the University for its dedicated efforts in taking university to new heights.
The Governor also inaugurated a blood donation camp in the university campus and visited a painting exhibition. He also released a book showcasing Sardar Patel’s inspirational journey through photographs.
Sardar Patel University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Lalit Kumar Awasthi shared the university’s achievements and future plans, and explained the objectives of the Viksit Bharat Youth Leadership Dialogue and Drug-Free India Campaign on the occasion .
Former Minister and local MLA Anil Sharma was also present on the occasion.
