Shruti N.S., Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) inaugurated the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva–Viksit Bharat’ programme at the Utsav Hall of JSS College in Dharwad on Sunday (August 9).

She urged the youth to practice meditation and control their thoughts. “Students can keep their minds under control by practising meditation every day. This helps improve concentration,’’ she said.

Ms. Shruti said that a large number of criminals are addicted to intoxicating substances. “Many people fall prey to addictions such as drugs and ganja and end up ruining their lives,” she said.

“As Swami Vivekananda said, everyone should set a goal of their own. We must remember every day that we should not stop until we reach our goal and continue moving towards its achievement,” she said.

The programme was organised jointly by the MY Bharat Centre, Dharwad, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Janata Shikshana Samiti, and Sri Kumareshwar Cultural Society.

Janata Shikshana Samiti secretary Ajit Prasad said excessive mobile phone use among students had itself become a form of addiction in recent times. “The younger generation is suffering from physical and mental stress due to addiction to narcotic substances. Drugs such as heroin have a harmful effect on the human brain. When a person is under the influence of drugs, they lose mental control and may become involved in criminal activities,’’ he said.

Shashidhar Narendra, resource person, recalled Swami Vivekananda’s words that “discouragement is the enemy of success and those who move forward with courage will achieve success”. He said students could overcome any examination with confidence if they gave up fear and discouragement and studied with concentration.

JSS administrator Arihant Prasad and JSS ITI Principal Mahaveer Upadhyay, MY Bharat Centre Youth Officer Sangram Sawant Prakash Balikai and others were present.

Published - August 09, 2026 06:12 pm IST