PM Modi lauds The Art of Living’s initiatives to fight the menace of drugs in India
Chandigarh/Hisar: The grounds of Chandigarh University reverberated with the chants of ‘Na Karunga, Na Karne Dunga’ (Will Not (Do Drugs) And Will Not Let Anyone Do It) on a drizzly Monday morning. Over two days, 60,000 students turned up to be a part of the launch of Drug Free India, one of The Art of Living’s many initiatives towards de-addiction. The campaign was launched at Chandigarh University on 18th February and the second leg of the campaign launch was held on 19th February at Guru Jambeshwar University, Hisar, Haryana.
“We need to strengthen the youth of this country and whatever weakens this (strength), like drugs, needs to be blocked,” said Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar while addressing the students, “People get into drugs because they are looking for happiness, fun and love. Just, come join us. We'll give you a high that will never go down. Inner high can give love and happiness.” Speaking in Hisar, Gurudev pointed out that time had come for youngsters to place pride with not doing drugs, rather than being proud of having them.
Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the years of efforts of The Art of Living in countering the menace of drugs.
“I sincerely appreciate the efforts of Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji and The Art of Living towards a drug free India. I have observed how this movement has struck a chord with people from all walks of life including entertainment and sports and how people have supported it on social media in large numbers,” said Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He mentioned that apart from being a psycho-socio-medico problem, engaging in drugs also goes towards supporting terrorist activities since the narcotic trade is controlled by anti-national elements. He said communication with families, friends and loved ones was key in helping drug addicts deal with the condition.
On day 1, Chandigarh University hosted dignitaries of the stature of global humanitarian and spiritual leader, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of The Art of Living, Bollywood icon Sanjay Dutt, rapper-songwriter Badshah, comedian Kapil Sharma, popular Punjabi Folk singer Gurdas Maan and Hon. Governor of Punjab, V P Singh Badnore. In Hisar, the event was organized with the support of Government of Haryana, where along with Gurudev, Hon. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and famous actor Varun Sharma were also present.
Taking the awareness campaign forward, Gurudev also announced Walkathons across Indian cities and villages on 10th March, raising awareness and mobilizing communities in the fight against drugs.
Actor Sanjay Dutt talked about his battle with drug addiction, “I was bleeding from my mouth, my nose. I hadn't eaten in two days. I got scared of looking at myself in the mirror. I told my father, I needed help.” Dutt shared that he was contacted by a peddler on his return from rehab, which is when he decided, never to touch drugs again in his life.
Over a crore students from 12,000 colleges signed up for the campaign against drugs through a live webcast from across the country on both days.
Popular rapper-songwriter Badshah also encouraged the youth to find their life’s calling as a way to keep out of addictions. He said, “I've never done them. But I had a friend in college who did, who was a better rapper than me. But now he's no more.” He further said, “I found my high in music. Find your high because you are the future, the nerve of this country.”
Part of the initiative also includes the formation of SWAT (Social Wellness and Awareness Training) clubs that have been opened across college campuses and will mobilize and raise awareness against drugs and organize preventive interventions.
The Drug Free India movement has already taken social media by storm with more than 90 eminent personalities from the field of films, sports, politics, and business having poured their support for the campaign.
