THATHRI, Oct 18: Government Degree College (GDC) Thathri, in collaboration with MY Bharat Doda, organised a Neighbourhood Youth Parliament on October 17 under the theme “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” to sensitise young people about the growing menace of drug abuse and promote collective efforts towards building a drug-free society.
The programme aimed to discuss effective measures to prevent youth from falling into addiction and familiarise students with the MY Bharat platform, which provides opportunities for youth engagement, skill development, leadership and nation-building. The initiative also highlighted the role of young people in contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The programme was attended by the Principal of GDC Thathri as the chief guest, Sandeep Sharma, District Officer, MY Bharat Doda, as the guest of honour, and Prof. Arshad Ayoub as the special guest.
The judging panel comprised Prof. Mohd. Saleem, Head of the Department of Economics; Prof. Arshad Ayoub, Head of the Department of Political Science; and Lecturer Indu Bala from the Department of Political Science.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dalbir Singh, Director of Sports and Physical Education, GDC Thathri, who also anchored the proceedings.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Programme Coordinator, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the challenges posed by drug abuse among Indian youth. He emphasised the need for collective efforts by educational institutions, parents, teachers and society to prevent substance abuse and build a drug-free nation.
He also explained the significance of the MY Bharat platform in empowering young people through various opportunities and encouraging their active participation in the country’s development journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.
Students from the first, third and fifth semesters participated enthusiastically in the youth parliament and expressed their views on the theme. Their presentations highlighted the importance of awareness, responsible choices and collective action in addressing the problem of drug addiction.
After evaluating the participants’ performances, the judging panel declared Sneha Kumari of the fifth semester the first-prize winner. Tabish Ahmed of the first semester secured the second prize, while Mohd. Omer Aitoo of the fifth semester won the third prize. The winners were felicitated with trophies.
Prof. Deepak Raj, Convenor of the College Literary Committee, delivered the formal vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests, faculty members, participants, NSS cadets, Red Ribbon Club (RRC) members and everyone who contributed to the successful organisation of the programme.
The initiative reaffirmed the importance of youth participation, educational awareness and community engagement in advancing the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and promoting a healthier, drug-free society.