Agartala, 17th August 2026 : A drug de-addiction awareness camp was organized at Maharaja Bir Bikram University on Monday by the university’s NSS Unit and Red Ribbon Club in collaboration with Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Bibhas Deb and Registrar Dr. Sumanta Chakraborty attended the programme. Representatives of the Brahma Kumaris included Mamta Behenji, Smriti Behenji, Dr. Jyotishwar Sen Bhaiji, Sujit Bhaiji and Deepak Acharya Bhaiji.
Dr. Bindu Ranjan Chakma, Associate Professor and IQAC Coordinator, delivered the welcome address. Smriti Behenji highlighted the organisation’s educational and social initiatives, while Dr. Jyotishwar Sen Bhaiji spoke about the harmful effects of substance abuse and stressed meditation as a means of overcoming addiction. Mamta Behenji subsequently led a meditation session involving students, faculty members and university officials.
The participants later took a pledge against drug abuse as part of the Brahma Kumaris’ “10 Crore Drug-Free Pledges” campaign.
Registrar Dr. Sumanta Chakraborty highlighted the university’s efforts to create awareness against drug abuse. He expressed concern over the growing use of injectable narcotics among youth and its links with diseases such as HIV/AIDS. He also called for the social reintegration of people affected by addiction and HIV/AIDS and urged collective action against substance abuse.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Bibhas Deb said education must go beyond textbooks and foster awareness about the dangers of drugs. He stressed the need for regular discussions and policy measures to address the factors driving young people towards addiction. He also highlighted the achievements of the Government of India’s “Nasha Mukt Bharat” campaign and appreciated the “Ten Crore Drug-Free Pledges” initiative.
Dr. Debdatta Adak, Assistant Professor and NSS Programme Officer, delivered the vote of thanks.
