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Let’s Build a Drug-Free and Hate-Free Society: U.T. Khader

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Posted on November 29, 2025

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Let's Build a Drug-Free and Hate-Free Society: U.T. Khader

Mangaluru: Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader called for the creation of a pleasant and healthy environment by making the country and state drug-free (Nasha Mukta) and hate-free (Dwesha Mukta). He was speaking at the ‘Nasha Mukta Campus and Organ Donation Pledge’ Walkathon organized jointly by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) and the RGUHS Colleges Management Association of Dakshina Kannada district at Mangala Stadium, Mangaluru.

Mr. Khader emphasized that it is imperative to suppress the two evil forces—drug addiction and hatred—if the country and the state are to progress. He called these campaigns vital initiatives that will shape India’s future. He stressed that the event should not end with a single day’s walkathon; students must become public awareness ambassadors and spread this message everywhere. Change requires continuous and concerted effort, not a one-day action.

Student Life is the Key to Future Success: Dinesh Gundu Rao
District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao addressed the gathering, stating that student life is the most crucial phase for building one’s future. He advised that success in later life is assured if students practice self-control during this period. He encouraged them to stay away from momentary temptations and focus solely on their studies to ensure a prosperous life.

RGUHS Launches Statewide Campaign to Combat Drug Mafia: Dr. Bhagawan B.C.
Dr. Bhagawan B.C., Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), expressed serious concern that the youth, particularly students in Karnataka, are becoming targets of the drug mafia. He noted that after Punjab and Kerala, drug peddlers are now focusing on Karnataka. He cited an alarming statistic that 20–30% of students nationwide are influenced by some form of substance.

To protect students from this peril, RGUHS has launched a statewide ‘Nasha Mukta Campus’ campaign, prioritizing the safety of over 3.50 lakh students. The University has restricted the sale of narcotic substances around campuses and established Task Force Committees in every college. The efforts, he explained, include awareness rallies, workshops, and campaigns to keep students away from the ill effects of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.

Dr. Bhagawan advised the students that a drug-free life is a healthy life. He called upon the over 12,000 students present to take a pledge: “I will not indulge in any bad habits, I will not fall into the trap of drug peddlers, I will not push my friends into addiction, and I will not stay silent if I find any narcotic substance on campus.”

Thousands Participate in Walkathon and Pledge Ceremony
Thousands of students enthusiastically participated in the walkathon, raising awareness by shouting slogans through the city’s main streets. Simultaneously, students were administered the Organ Donation Pledge during the event.