Manipur University, 26 June 2026: The National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell, Manipur University, under the aegis of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, organised a one-day awareness programme on “Mission of Drug-Free Campus” at the Court Hall, Manipur University, today to commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The programme was graced by Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam, Vice-Chancellor (In-charge) as Chief Guest. Prof. M. Premjit Singh, Registrar; Ms. Princi Gupta, District Youth Officer; and Dr. Sapam Dilipkumar Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Manipur University, attended as Guests of Honour. The function was presided over by Prof. Laishram Santosh Singh, Programme Coordinator, NSS Cell, Manipur University.
Delivering the Chief Guest’s address, Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam appreciated the NSS Cell for organising the programme at short notice and thanked the NSS volunteers and students for participating in large numbers despite the vacation period. She said the programme served as an important reminder of the destructive impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, society, the state and the nation.
“Drugs destroy lives, shatter dreams, break families and endanger the future. The mission of a drug- free campus is not only an institutional responsibility but also a collective responsibility of every member of the university community,” she said. Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam also emphasised that students come to the university with hopes and aspirations to build their careers and become responsible citizens. She observed that academic pressure, competition, anxiety and stress may sometimes push young people towards temporary escape through harmful habits such as smoking, drinking or drug abuse. She urged students to seek lasting and healthy solutions through discipline, sports, yoga, community engagement, counselling and peer support.She further stated that every teacher is a mentor, every student is an ambassador, and every member of the University community is a guardian of the campus. She called for regular awareness programmes, stronger mentorship and counselling mechanisms, and a more vibrant campus environment to support students’ mental, emotional and social well-being. In his address, Prof. M. Premjit Singh spoke on the historical background of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, referring to the Opium War in China and the historical significance of 26 June. He stressed that strict laws alone cannot completely eliminate the problem of drug abuse and trafficking. He said the most effective way to address the issue is through education, social awareness and the moral strength of citizens to reject drugs. Ms. Princi Gupta, District Youth Officer, encouraged students to stay away from drugs and other harmful habits that may appear to offer temporary relief from stress. She said drugs are not permanent healers and advised students to adopt healthy practices, including yoga and other natural methods, to cope with challenges in life.
As part of the programme, a pledge against drug abuse was administered under the guidance of VC (In-charge) Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam. The participants solemnly pledged not to indulge in drug abuse, to advise family members and friends against falling into the habit, and to contribute towards rescuing and guiding drug abusers to give up drugs. Dr. Sapam Dilipkumar Singh conducted a technical session and interacted with students on the legal and social dimensions of drug-related offences. He spoke on the criminalisation of drug-related cases, relevant legal provisions, punishment for drug offenders, the Golden Triangle, international drug cartels, and the need to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
In his presidential address, Prof. Laishram Santosh Singh reaffirmed Manipur University’s commitment to promoting a drug-free, clean and safe learning environment. He also delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, organisers and stakeholders. He further highlighted the importance of campus beautification, waste management and academic integrity as shared responsibilities of the university community. The programme concluded with a collective call to say “No to Drugs and Yes to Life” and to strengthen the University’s mission of building a healthier, safer and drug-free campus.
