05-10-2026:The Governor addressed the “Drug-Free Youth – Future of a Developed India” program at CIMS & UIHMT, Kuwanwala.

Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note

Youth must channel their energy into education, sports, skills, innovation and nation-building: Governor

Lok Bhavan Dehradun 05 October, 2026

Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) on Monday called upon the youth to stay away from drugs and channel their energy towards education, sports, skill development, innovation and nation-building. Addressing the “Drug-Free Youth – Future of a Developed India” youth dialogue programme, he said that the youth are not merely the future of India, but also the strength of present-day India and the architects of a developed India.

Speaking at the programme organised at the CIMS & UIHMT campus, Kuwanwala, the Governor said that the fight against drugs and substance abuse is not the responsibility of any one individual, institution or department, but a collective campaign of the entire society. He said that “our fight against drugs is itself our campaign.” He emphasised that the family has the most important role to play in this campaign. Every family must maintain continuous and meaningful communication with children and make them aware of the harmful effects of drug abuse.

The Governor said that building a drug-free society requires teachers, police personnel, pharmacists, doctors and all those associated with the healthcare sector to work together with families. He emphasised that prevention alone is not enough to keep young people away from drugs; they must also be connected with education, sports, skill development, employment, innovation and other positive and constructive activities.

Referring to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s “Drug-Free Youth – Developed India Sankalp Abhiyan”, launched on August 2, 2026, the Governor said that the 100-week nationwide campaign is an important initiative to keep young people away from drugs and empower them to become agents of positive change within their families, educational institutions and society. He appealed to young people that if any of their peers are struggling with substance abuse, they should not be ridiculed or isolated. Instead, they should communicate with them, understand their concerns and encourage them to seek appropriate help when required. He said that saving one young person from drugs means saving the hope of a family and the future of society.

The Governor appreciated the sustained efforts of Shri Lalit Joshi, Chairman of CIMS & UIHMT Group of Colleges and Sajag India, towards combating drug abuse over the years. He said that efforts being undertaken by various institutions and organisations for creating a drug-free society need to be expanded further through greater public participation. On the occasion, the Governor also inaugurated the newly constructed auditorium at the campus, named after former Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat.

Shri Lalit Joshi, Chairman, CIMS & UIHMT Group of Colleges, along with representatives from the education, medical, healthcare and social sectors, as well as a large number of young people, were present on the occasion.
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