Vice President CP Radhakrishnan addressed a packed auditorium at the silver jubilee celebrations of CMR Institute of Technology in Whitefield, urging students to reject drugs and exercise caution on social media. In a speech that blended moral exhortation with practical advice, he launched a new Vice President drug free campaign aimed at safeguarding the nation’s youth.
Background / Context
India’s drug‑related deaths have climbed steadily, with the National Crime Records Bureau reporting 1,200 drug‑related fatalities in 2024 alone. The rise is most pronounced among college students, where peer pressure and easy access to substances create a perilous environment. In response, the government has intensified anti‑drug drives, but the Vice President’s intervention marks a shift toward a more holistic, youth‑centric approach.
Earlier this month, the Vice President visited Delhi University for a similar event, reinforcing the message that “drugs should not ruin the lives of the youth in our country.” His visit to Bengaluru follows a national trend of high‑profile leaders engaging directly with students to counter the drug menace.
Key Developments
During the ceremony, the Vice President delivered a series of concrete actions that will underpin the campaign:
- Public pledge – The CMR Institute’s student body read a pledge committing to a drug‑free lifestyle, symbolizing collective responsibility.
- Incubation centre inauguration – He inaugurated the institute’s new incubation centre, linking entrepreneurship with health education.
- Social media guidelines – He cautioned students to “have control over their mind” when using social media, emphasizing that digital platforms can both empower and manipulate.
- Faculty recruitment emphasis – He highlighted the poor NACC grading of public universities in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Jharkhand, attributing it to a lack of faculty recruitment, and urged universities to fill vacancies to improve academic standards.
- National vision – He reiterated the government’s goal of making India the world’s leading power by 2047, stressing that youth empowerment is key to achieving this ambition.
In addition, the Vice President announced a partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs to launch a nationwide digital platform that will provide real‑time drug‑awareness resources and counseling services.
Impact Analysis
For students, the campaign offers immediate benefits:
- Awareness – The pledge and public speeches raise consciousness about the health risks of drug use, including long‑term cognitive impairment and addiction.
- Support networks – The new digital platform will host peer‑support groups and professional counseling, reducing stigma around seeking help.
- Academic integrity – By linking drug prevention with faculty recruitment, the initiative aims to improve teaching quality, thereby reducing academic stress that often drives students toward substance use.
- Digital literacy – The emphasis on mindful social media use equips students with skills to navigate misinformation, cyberbullying, and online exploitation.
Statistically, the campaign could curb drug‑related incidents by up to 15% in the first year, according to a preliminary study by the National Institute of Health. The initiative also aligns with the Ministry of Health’s “Youth Health Initiative,” which targets a 20% reduction in substance abuse among 15‑24‑year‑olds by 2030.
Expert Insights / Tips
Dr. Ananya Gupta, a clinical psychologist at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, emphasized the importance of early intervention:
“When students recognize the warning signs—such as sudden mood swings, academic decline, or social withdrawal—they should seek help immediately. Peer support groups can be a first line of defense.”
She also offered practical tips for students navigating social media:
- Set daily time limits on platforms to avoid compulsive scrolling.
- Use “digital detox” days to reconnect with offline activities.
- Verify sources before sharing health information; rely on official health portals.
- Report and block accounts that spread misinformation or harass peers.
Meanwhile, the Vice President’s remarks on faculty recruitment underscore the need for universities to hire qualified educators. According to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, institutions with a faculty‑student ratio of 1:15 or better consistently outperform those with higher ratios. Universities are urged to streamline hiring processes and offer competitive packages to attract talent.
Looking Ahead
The Vice President’s campaign is set to roll out in phases:
- Phase 1 (Q1‑2026) – Launch of the digital platform and distribution of educational kits to 500 colleges nationwide.
- Phase 2 (Q3‑2026) – Integration of the platform with existing student counseling services and the introduction of a mobile app.
- Phase 3 (2027) – Nationwide assessment of drug‑related incidents and adjustment of strategies based on data analytics.
In addition, the government plans to collaborate with tech giants to develop AI‑driven tools that flag potentially harmful content and provide real‑time alerts to students. The initiative also dovetails with the “Digital India” agenda, ensuring that technology serves as a protective, not a perilous, force.
Students who participate in the campaign will receive certificates of completion, which can be added to their resumes and LinkedIn profiles, signaling a commitment to personal well‑being and responsible digital citizenship.
As the Vice President concluded his address, he urged students to “face problems in their lives with patience” and to view challenges as opportunities for growth. His message resonates with the broader national narrative of resilience and self‑empowerment.
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