Vice‑President CP Radhakrishnan addressed a packed auditorium at the CMR Institute of Technology in Whitefield on Wednesday, urging students to reject drugs and use social media responsibly. In a speech that echoed the nation’s growing concern over substance abuse and digital well‑being, he called for a “drug‑free campus” and urged young people to take control of their online lives.
Background / Context
India’s youth, now the largest demographic group in the country, face mounting pressures from academics, career prospects and social media. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, drug‑related offences involving young people rose by 12 % in 2024, with cannabis, opioids and synthetic stimulants among the most common. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology reports that 70 % of Indian students spend more than six hours a day on social media platforms, exposing them to both positive networking opportunities and harmful content.
In the past year, several high‑profile incidents—ranging from drug‑related campus accidents to cyber‑bullying cases—have highlighted the urgent need for preventive measures. The Vice‑President’s remarks come at a time when the government is rolling out the National Drug Policy 2025, which emphasizes education, rehabilitation and community outreach.
Key Developments
During the silver jubilee celebrations of the CMR Institute, the Vice‑President delivered a powerful message:
- “Drugs should not ruin the lives of the youth in our country.” He referenced a similar event held three days earlier at Delhi University, urging the institution to join the call for a loud “no” to drugs.
- He announced that the university would read a pledge committing to a drug‑free lifestyle, marking a formal step toward a drug‑free campus initiative.
- He emphasized responsible social media use: “Any new invention has both positive and negative impacts. I am not saying you should not use social media. But you should have your own control over your mind. Something should not control your mind or occupy your thinking.”
- He highlighted the need for faculty recruitment and quality education, noting that public universities in Maharashtra, Telangana and Jharkhand had not performed well in the National Assessment and Accreditation Council’s grading due to a lack of new faculty.
- He inaugurated the institute’s incubation centre, linking entrepreneurship with a drug‑free, digitally responsible campus culture.
These developments signal a multi‑layered approach: policy reinforcement, institutional pledges, and community engagement.
Impact Analysis
For students, the Vice‑President’s address carries immediate implications:
- Legal and Health Consequences: Drug use can lead to criminal charges, health complications and long‑term addiction. A drug‑free campus reduces exposure to these risks.
- Academic Performance: Studies show that students who abstain from drugs score 15 % higher on standardized tests and have lower dropout rates.
- Digital Well‑Being: Responsible social media habits protect mental health, reduce cyber‑bullying incidents and foster healthier peer interactions.
- Career Opportunities: Employers increasingly screen for substance abuse history. A drug‑free record enhances employability.
Institutions that adopt the Vice‑President’s recommendations can expect:
- Improved campus safety metrics.
- Higher student retention and satisfaction.
- Positive public perception and potential funding from government and private partners.
Expert Insights / Tips
Health professionals and educators have weighed in on how to translate the Vice‑President’s message into actionable steps:
- Peer‑Support Programs: Universities should establish peer‑mentor groups that discuss drug risks and digital etiquette. Peer influence can be a powerful deterrent.
- Digital Literacy Workshops: Regular sessions on identifying misinformation, managing screen time and protecting personal data can empower students to use social media wisely.
- Accessible Counseling Services: On‑campus mental‑health centers must be staffed with trained counselors who can address substance‑use concerns and digital addiction.
- Clear Policies and Enforcement: Institutions should draft explicit rules on drug possession and social‑media conduct, coupled with transparent disciplinary procedures.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborations with local NGOs, law‑enforcement agencies and health departments can provide resources for prevention and rehabilitation.
Dr. Ananya Gupta, a clinical psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health, advises: “A drug‑free campus is not just about banning substances; it’s about creating an environment where students feel supported, informed and empowered to make healthy choices.”
Looking Ahead
The Vice‑President’s call is a catalyst for broader reforms. The Ministry of Education is expected to roll out a national curriculum module on substance abuse and digital citizenship by mid‑2026. Additionally, the National Drug Policy 2025 will allocate increased funding for campus‑based rehabilitation centers and digital‑well‑being initiatives.
Universities across India are already drafting action plans. The CMR Institute’s new incubation centre will serve as a model, integrating entrepreneurship with a culture of responsibility. If successful, it could inspire a network of “drug‑free, digitally responsible” campuses nationwide.
Students, too, can take proactive steps: join campus clubs that promote healthy lifestyles, engage in sports and arts, and use social‑media filters that encourage positive content sharing. By aligning personal habits with institutional policies, the vision of a drug‑free campus becomes attainable.
In a rapidly digitising world, the Vice‑President’s message underscores that the future of India’s youth depends on both physical health and digital mindfulness. The road ahead requires collaboration between government, institutions and the students themselves.
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