15 Youngsters Honoured at Anti-Drug Event with Indresh Upadhyay, B Praak

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 B Praak’s musical performance adds an emotional dimension to the gathering

Chandigarh: Around 3,000 people gathered at the Convention Centre of Panjab University in Sector 25, Chandigarh, for the second phase of ‘Gen Z Against Drugs’, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about drug abuse and reconnecting young people with Indian culture, traditions and spiritual values.

Organised under the theme ‘Connect with Culture’, the programme featured Param Pujya Indresh Upadhyay Ji Maharaj as the chief guest and Bollywood singer B Praak as the guest of honour.

Sanjeev Rana, convenor of Gen Z Against Drugs, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the initiative’s objective of engaging young people in building a drug-free society through awareness, cultural participation and collective responsibility.

Among the distinguished guests were Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, Dean of Student Welfare Prof. Amit Chauhan and Dean of Student Welfare (Women) Prof. Namita Gupta.

Addressing the gathering, Indresh Upadhyay Ji Maharaj spoke about drug abuse and urged young people to spread awareness about its harmful consequences. He encouraged them to stay away from drugs, reconnect with their cultural roots and draw inspiration from India’s Shastras and Vedas. He also called upon attendees to pledge their support for creating a drug-free society and motivating others to lead healthy and responsible lives.

B Praak connected with the young audience through his musical performance. His rendition of ‘Maa Se Hai Maati, Maa Hai Mata’ conveyed a message of reverence for the motherland and an emotional connection with cultural roots.

The programme featured several cultural performances, including a welcome dance by Asmi Chauhan, a Naati performance by Himach Group, a musical presentation by Group Saptak of DAV College and a Raasleela performance by volunteers of GMSSS, Sector 33. The performances showcased the diversity of Indian cultural traditions.

As part of efforts to promote sports and prevent drug abuse, sports kits were distributed to children who had demonstrated promise in sports. Tarun and Suhani received cricket kits, Mohini received a football, Mandeep Singh received a cricket kit and Sakshi received badminton equipment. The initiative aims to encourage healthy lifestyles and channel young people’s energy into positive activities.

Additionally, 15 youngsters working towards a drug-free society were honoured for their commitment to social change.

The initiative aligns with the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ and promotes cultural awareness, sports participation and collective action to prevent drug abuse. Organisers called upon young people to become ambassadors of change and contribute towards a healthier, culturally connected and drug-free India.