New Delhi, Jan 13: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday said the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ could only be realised when the country’s youth are drug-free, healthy and purpose-driven. He said this while speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Drug-Free Campus Campaign’ at the University of Delhi.

The campaign, inaugurated by Vice-President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan, aims at mobilising students and institutions against drug use.

आज दिल्ली विश्वविद्यालय में 'Drug-free Campus Campaign' के उद्घाटन कार्यक्रम में माननीय @VPIndia श्री सी.पी. राधाकृष्णन जी की गरिमामयी उपस्थिति में सम्मिलित हुआ। यह केवल अभियान नहीं, बल्कि युवाशक्ति, समाज और राष्ट्र के प्रति एक दृढ़ संकल्प है।

दिल्ली विश्वविद्यालय केवल एक… pic.twitter.com/SGNVg83V3J

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) January 13, 2026

Praising Delhi University’s role, the Minister said the institution was not only a centre of academic learning but also a dynamic hub for idea generation and value creation. He highlighted that substance abuse posed a serious threat not just to individual health, but also to the nation’s capacity to nurture responsible and productive citizens.

Pradhan expressed confidence that the University’s campaign would strengthen the ongoing nationwide movement against drugs. He called upon students to take ownership of the initiative and actively participate in spreading awareness, encouraging peer support and fostering a culture of responsibility on campus.

Linking the initiative to the larger national development agenda, the Minister said the realisation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ depended significantly on a healthy, alert and self-reliant younger generation. “The journey towards a developed India passes through drug-free youth power,” he said, emphasising that educational institutions play a decisive role in shaping socially conscious citizens.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Attends 9th Convocation of JNU, Urges Graduates to Shoulder Role in Nation-Building

Congratulating Delhi University on what he described as a far-sighted and inspiring step, Pradhan urged students to transform the campaign into a mass movement. He added that universities must extend their role beyond classrooms and act as catalysts for positive social change.

University authorities said the Drug-Free Campus Campaign would involve sustained awareness programmes, counselling services, student-led outreach initiatives and collaboration with health professionals to ensure long-term impact. They reiterated the institution’s commitment to creating a safe and enabling environment for students.

Education Minister of Delhi Ashish Sood, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi Prof. Yogesh Singh, senior officials, faculty members and students were present on the occasion.