Bengaluru: Calling for a united fight against narcotic substance abuse in the country, vice-president C.P Radhakrishnan urged Karnataka to lead the way in driving change.“Awareness should spread to our city and across all districts of Karnataka. Our city and our state should lead the nation in becoming drug-free, and we must take this message to the entire world,” Radhakrishnan said.At the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Conclave and the 31st Foundation Day of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) Sunday, he emphasised that change should start from individuals. Drug abuse among youngsters in the country is a challenge continuing to affect families and communities as well, he said. “Even the parents cannot say that their son or daughter has become a drug addict due to social stigma,” he added.Apart from law enforcement, Radhakrishnan pointed out that an individual’s willpower is crucial to eradicate drugs.Radhakrishnan said chief minister DK Shivakumar, who was also present at the event, assured him of a drug-free state. “I am sure Bengaluru will soon be totally free from drugs. He (CM) has assured me he will take the strongest action against the drug mafia. That is the only way that society can be saved,” he said.He said the oath taken by more than 25,000 medical students around Kanteerava Stadium would spread among other youngsters as well, leading to a significant change in society. “Take a vow that first my university will be free from drugs, then my city will be free from drugs, and my state will be free from drugs, which will lead India to be free from drugs. From India, this message should reach the globe. The world should be free from drugs—that is our ultimate aim.”Citing his work as chancellor of Delhi University, Radhakrishnan said the institution had become drug-free. He urged medical students to develop innovative approaches to tackle the country’s drug menace.“We need innovative approaches that integrate technology, counselling services, support networks and public health outreach. Evidence must guide action, and research must inform policymakers. Schools, colleges, families, community organisations, healthcare institutions, law enforcement agencies and civil society must all work together,” he said.Box:CM: Will ban all chewing tobacco, pan masala if found to contain intoxicantsEarlier in the day, CM DK Shivakumar said he had received reports that certain gutka, pan masala and areca nut products sold in Karnataka may contain intoxicating substances producing a drug-like “high.”He said that if verified, the govt would impose a blanket ban on all forms of gutka, pan masala and chewing tobacco in the state.Shivakumar noted that while Karnataka has a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), local enforcement would be limited without stronger action against cross-border supply. “The drug menace is like a tap and a bucket. As long as the tap at the border remains open, the bucket keeps filling up,” he said.
