Sri Vijaya Puram: MY Bharat, Sri Vijaya Puram organised the district-level “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” programme at the Auditorium and Seminar Hall of Tagore Government College of Education (TGCE), Sri Vijaya Puram, on September 7, 2026. Around 200 youth from various educational institutions participated enthusiastically in district-level competitions and creative activities organised as part of the programme.

The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, Special Guests and other dignitaries, symbolising a collective commitment towards building a healthy, aware and drug-free youth force for a developed India.

Padma Shri Awardee and Swachh Bharat Ambassador Naresh Chander Lal, the Chief Guest, appreciated the initiative and stressed the importance of keeping young people away from substance abuse. He highlighted that youth are the strength of the nation and encouraged them to channel their energy, talent and potential towards positive activities, social responsibility and nation-building. He further emphasised that a healthy, disciplined and responsible youth population is essential for realising the vision of Viksit Bharat.

TGCE Principal Manjulatha Rao, who attended as the Guest of Honour, appreciated MY Bharat for providing young people with a meaningful platform to showcase their creativity and talent while spreading awareness against drug abuse.

Senior Veterinary Officer, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dr. Subash Palve and TGCE Principal Dr. Manjulata Rao attended as Special Guests and encouraged the participating youth to become ambassadors of positive change and contribute towards building a healthy and drug-free society.

ISRO Manager Devdas Paik addressed the gathering and spoke about the harmful physical, psychological and social consequences of substance abuse. He encouraged youth to remain focused on their goals, adopt healthy habits and utilise their knowledge and potential for constructive purposes.

Historian of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Mukeshwar Lal also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of preserving positive social and cultural values among young people. He encouraged youth to remain connected with their roots, adopt constructive habits and play an active role in creating a responsible and progressive society.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation in eight district-level competitions: Folk Music, Dance, Nukkad Natak/Mime Acts, Painting, Elocution, Short Film/Reel, Slogan Writing and Slam Poetry. Through these creative mediums, participants effectively conveyed the message of a drug-free youth population and a developed India.

Folk Music Competition: Aprian and Team from ANCOL secured first position, followed by Jessica and Team in second position, while Dharzani and Team from TGCE secured third position.

Dance Competition: Jhanavi Trivedi and Team from VKV secured first position, while Anish and Team from TGCE secured second position.

Nukkad Natak/Mime Acts Competition: Sushma and Team from TGCE secured first position, followed by D. Lekha and Team in second position and Pooja and Team in third position.

Painting Competition: Jeevetha S. from ANCOL secured first position, Kavya Raj secured second position and Rikta Biswas from TGCE secured third position.

Elocution Competition: Santoshi Kumari from TGCE secured first position, followed by Uday in second position and P. Elakeeya in third position.

Short Film/Reel Competition: Md. Tanzeem and Team from TGCE secured first position, while Sudweep Biswas and Team secured second position.

Slogan Writing Competition: Priti Saha from TGCE secured first position, followed by D. Lekha in second position and Shrite Mondal in third position.

Slam Poetry Competition: Nupur Nowlader from TGCE secured first position, Abhinaya from JNRM secured second position and V. Mohita secured third position.

The competitions were evaluated by jury members from diverse fields including art, culture, literature, theatre, music, media and social service. The jury members appreciated the creativity, talent and enthusiasm displayed by the participants and highlighted the importance of creative expression as an effective medium for spreading awareness against substance abuse.

Dr. Manju Nair, Associate Professor of English Literature, appreciated the efforts of the young participants and emphasised the importance of literature, art and creative expression in promoting positive social messages.

Earlier, District Youth Officer, MY Bharat, Sri Vijaya Puram, Deepak Kumar delivered the welcome address and welcomed the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Special Guests, jury members, participants and other attendees. He highlighted the importance of collective efforts in creating awareness among youth against substance abuse and encouraged young people to actively participate in initiatives aimed at building a healthy, responsible and drug-free India.

Gopal Ch. Biswas, APS (OSD), delivered the introductory address and briefed the gathering about the objectives and significance of the “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” programme. He highlighted the important role of youth in nation-building and emphasised that a healthy, responsible and drug-free youth population is fundamental to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. He also coordinated the overall programme.

The programme was supported by Dr. Sunil Saini, Assistant Professor, TGCE, and Dr. Sunita Patil, Guest Lecturer, TGCE. The proceedings were anchored by Mehek and Sneha of TGCE. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Dr. Sunita Patil.

All winners of the district-level competitions were felicitated with trophies and certificates by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries amid applause from the participants and audience.

The event served as an effective platform for young people to demonstrate their talent, creativity and social commitment while reinforcing the collective responsibility of society towards building a drug-free, healthy and empowered generation for Viksit Bharat.