Assam Governor Pushes Schools to Combat Drug Crisis

Guwahati: Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya demanded schools and colleges lead the fight against drug abuse on September 30. He pushed for institutions to look past test scores and instill discipline. The Governor visited Hojai for the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padayatra. This campaign spans several districts. He spoke at Rabindranath Thakur Vishwavidyalaya to a large crowd.

Acharya told the audience that schools must foster more than just grades. He said, "Education is not about acquiring knowledge." Instead, he argued it must build self-restraint and responsibility. Teachers, parents, and social groups need to stay involved, he added.

The Governor urged the youth to trade narcotics for sports, yoga, and community service. He suggested NCC and NSS programs as better outlets for their energy. The day began with a tree plantation at the university. Later, the Governor walked from the old campus and laid flowers at a bust of Mahatma Gandhi. Hojai District Commissioner Sanjay Dutta led the anti-drug pledge for all attendees.

Acharya also visited 101-year-old Upendra Biswas at his home. He awarded the resident the Varishtha Nagrik Samman. The honor included a gamosa, seleng sador, shawl, dhoti, an umbrella, fruit, and a cheque for Rs 51,000. Acharya praised the elder for his decades of state service.