Gorakhpur: Mahayogi Gorakhnath University (MGUG) organised district-level competitions under the ‘Nashamukt Yuva–Viksit Bharat’ campaign on Sunday to spread awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and encourage youth participation in nation-building.Held under the aegis of the National Service Scheme (NSS), the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across various faculties and various NSS units. Competitions included painting, slogan writing, dance, street play, short film, poster-making and debate, with participants creatively highlighting the dangers of addiction and the importance of a drug-free society.Chief medical officer Rajesh Jha, the chief guest, said youth are the strongest pillar of a healthy and developed nation and urged them to channel their energy into education, sports, social service and other constructive activities. “Drug-free youth are the foundation of a healthy, empowered and developed India,” he said.My Bharat district youth officer Seema Pandey said creative platforms such as art, theatre and debates help young people communicate social messages more effectively and inspire positive change.The winners comprised Ankita Kashyap, who topped the painting contest; Tanisha Srivastava, winner of the slogan-writing competition and Sejal Group who secured first place in dance. Organisers said the programme reinforced the message that collective efforts by families, educational institutions and society are essential to achieve a drug-free India.
