The alarming rise in drug addiction among the youth demands immediate action, and sports can play a pivotal role in steering them away from this menace, said Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Sunday. Stressing that drug abuse is not just an individual’s downfall but a societal crisis, he called for a united effort to eliminate this threat from its roots.
Governor Shukla, presiding over a symposium on ‘Drug Menace and Sports Culture as a Mitigation Strategy’ organized by the Shyamla Education and Social Welfare Trust at Shimla’s Gaiety Theatre, expressed deep concern about the future of the younger generation.
He underscored that drug addiction destroys talent, isolates youth from mainstream society, shatters families, and weakens the social fabric. “Every day, children are losing their lives due to drug abuse. It is not just about the individual — its impact ripples through families, society, and even future generations,” he warned.
The Governor stressed that eradicating drug abuse is not the responsibility of any single authority but requires a collaborative approach. “Parents, teachers, law enforcement agencies, the health department, and every citizen must actively participate in this fight,” he said, while calling for coordinated efforts among various departments to create an effective and intensive campaign, reaching schools, colleges, and university campuses, with a special focus on youth.
“We need a collective resolve and a strong will to uproot this problem. Increasing crime rates, strained healthcare systems, and declining productivity are all consequences of drug addiction. Every stakeholder must step forward and contribute to this battle,” he asserted.
Governor Shukla highlighted the success of public awareness movements in Solan’s Arki and Nalagarh regions, as well as in Hamirpur district, where sports initiatives were used to curb drug abuse among the youth. He emphasized that sports culture can act as a powerful deterrent against substance abuse, fostering discipline, promoting healthy lifestyles, and offering positive role models.
The Governor also released a survey report conducted by the Trust, which examined drug abuse and the role of sports in its prevention. Recognizing distinguished contributions in spreading awareness against drug abuse, he honoured nine individuals for their relentless efforts in this cause.
He further announced that Himachal Pradesh University has introduced a new column in its admission forms, requiring students to pledge that they will abstain from drug use.
