Central University of Odisha Commits to Healthy, Addiction-Free Student Life

In alignment with the directives of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Ministry of Education, Government of India, the Central University of Odisha (CUO) formally launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan on its campus.The campaign aims to promote a drug-free lifestyle among students and create a safe and healthy academic environment.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Vice-Chancellor (I/c) Prof. N. C. Panda. Distinguished guests present on the occasion included Shri Madkar Sandeep Sampath, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Nabarangpur; Dr. Veera Prasad, Medical Officer Dr. Rakesh Kumar Lenka, Registrar (I/c) Duryodhan Sethi, Finance Officer; and Dr. Nirjharini Tripathy, Nodal Officer for the Abhiyaan at CUO.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Panda reminded students and faculty of their fundamental duties.The foremost duty of students is to study, and for teachers, it is to guide and teach. Our life and health are invaluable.

We must preserve them and stay away from all forms of addiction to contribute meaningfully to our society and nation,” he said.SP Shri Sampath highlighted the alarming rise in substance abuse, particularly among the youth. “Failure often makes students vulnerable.This vulnerability is sometimes exploited by others, leading individuals toward drug and alcohol addiction.

Over time, these individuals not only become addicts but may also be drawn into networks of drug supply and crime, causing broader harm to society,” he cautioned. He stressed the need for strong support systems from parents, peers, and teachers through continuous positive communication.

Medical Officer Dr. Veera Prasad elaborated on the severe health consequences of substance abuse and urged all students and staff to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Registrar Dr. Lenka, Finance Officer Shri Sethi, and Nodal Officer Dr. Tripathy also addressed the gathering, encouraging the university community to extend wholehearted support to the campaign and contribute towards building a drug-free campus.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Minati Sahu, Associate Professor of Economics. Among the attendees were Sunabeda SDPO Sumitra Jena, Public Relations Officer Dr. Phagunath Bhoi, faculty members, research scholars, and students.As part of the programme, students and staff took the Nasha Mukt Pledge and completed the digital e-pledge, receiving certificates of participation.

The university also outlined a comprehensive plan to integrate anti-drug awareness throughout the student lifecycle—covering admission, orientation programmes, hostel life, and final-year motivational sessions. The launch of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan at CUO marks a major step in the university’s commitment to nurturing responsible citizens and fostering a safe, addiction-free learning atmosphere.