Leh, October 14, 2026/ VOL News Desk/ Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today attended a drug-free awareness campaign at Eliezer Joldan Memorial (EJM) College, Leh, aimed at sensitising students about the harmful effects of drug abuse and promoting a healthy, drug-free society.

The campaign was organised by Vidyarthi CEVA Educational Trust in collaboration with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Ladakh, and M3M Foundation. A large number of students and faculty members participated in the programme. 

The programme commenced with the singing of the national song, Vande Mataram, followed by the felicitation of the Chief Secretary, the Guest of Honour and the Principal of EJM College with traditional khatags and mementos.

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During the programme, the organisers announced a 90-day drug awareness campaign to be conducted across schools and educational institutions in Ladakh. The initiative will focus on educating students about the harmful consequences of drug abuse and will also include career counselling sessions to guide young people towards better educational and professional opportunities.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra appreciated the organisers for taking up an important social issue. He observed that drug abuse had emerged as a major challenge worldwide, affecting individuals, families and communities, including those in Ladakh.

Referring to Punjab as an example of the adverse impact of drug abuse on society, he cautioned that Ladakh must remain vigilant and adopt collective measures to protect its youth from this menace. Highlighting Ladakh’s strategic importance as a border region, he emphasised that the vulnerability of young people could have wider consequences for society and warned against attempts by unscrupulous elements to exploit youth for monetary gains and vested interests.

The Chief Secretary said that the youth of Ladakh possessed immense talent and potential, which should be channelled towards the development of the region and the nation. He urged students to stay away from drugs, cautioning that substance abuse could derail their dreams, aspirations and future while causing distress to their parents and families.

He encouraged students to spread awareness among their peers and support individuals struggling with addiction by motivating them to seek counselling and appropriate assistance. He further advised students to focus on their education and aspire to become scientists, professors, administrators and other professionals who could contribute meaningfully to society. He also urged them to adopt healthy and constructive activities for recreation and personal growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Nagesh Thakur also appealed to students to remain away from drug abuse. He emphasised that the energy, dedication, discipline and potential of young people must be channelled towards constructive and socially beneficial activities. He called upon students to actively support such initiatives to expand awareness about the harmful effects of drugs among the youth.

Dorjey Namgyal, Member of the National Executive Committee (NEC), ABVP, outlined the objectives and planned activities of the 90-day campaign.

The programme underscored the importance of collective responsibility, youth participation and sustained awareness efforts in addressing drug abuse and building a healthier, safer and drug-free Ladakh.