Administers pledge for a Drug-Free India
Shimla: Governor Kavinder Gupta today called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to make voluntary blood donation a people’s movement, stating that there is no greater service than saving a human life. He said that while medical science has made remarkable progress, there is still no substitute for human blood, making voluntary blood donation a noble and indispensable act of humanity.
The Governor was addressing a felicitation ceremony, SAMVEDNA-2 organised by the National Integrated Forum of Artists and Activists (NIFA) at Lok Bhavan, Shimla, today where social organizations, volunteers and individuals were honoured for their outstanding contribution to promoting voluntary blood donation.
On the occasion, the Governor administered the pledge for a Drug-Free India to all participants. Referring to the launch of the “Nasha Mukt Yuva Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today, he said the campaign was a clarion call to the youth to build a drug-free India. He remarked that the initiative was not merely a campaign but a people’s movement for nation-building, and urged every citizen, especially the younger generation, to actively participate in making India free from the menace of drugs.
Commending NIFA for its humanitarian initiatives, Gupta said the organization has gone beyond social and cultural activities by making significant contributions towards nation-building, youth awakening and public service. He lauded NIFA’s nationwide ‘Samvedna’ Voluntary Blood Donation Campaign, which has organised thousands of blood donation camps across the country and inspired countless people to donate blood, even during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Governor congratulated all the awardees and expressed confidence that the recognition would further inspire them to continue serving society with greater dedication and commitment. He particularly appreciated the active participation of the youth and voluntary organizations of Himachal Pradesh in organizing blood donation camps across the State.
The Governor also referred to the recent “Gen Z” movement in Delhi and said that some misguided youth require proper guidance and positive inspiration. He observed that anti-social elements often attempt to exploit such situations for their own interests. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has great expectations from the youth of the country and believes that if India’s young generation channelizes its energy towards nation-building and national interest, the country will truly emerge as a developed nation.
Later, NIFA Founder Chairman Sardar Pritpal Singh Pannu welcomed the Governor and said that the organization was established nearly 25 years ago by just seven individuals. He said that in 2009, NIFA was recognized as the Best Youth Organization of the Country and honoured with the National Youth Award. Besides promoting voluntary blood donation, the organization has conducted several large-scale programmes on various social issues. He informed that nearly 7,000 young volunteers are currently associated with NIFA across 30 States and Union Territories, working for social welfare and national integration. He urged the youth to dedicate themselves to strengthening national unity and integrity.
National President Dr. Ashwini Shetty also welcomed the Governor. State President of NIFA Himachal Pradesh Tarun Dhiman proposed the vote of thanks. Secretary to the Governor Sandeep Bhardwaj, National General Secretary Brahm Swaroop Sharma, Haryana State President Shravan Sharma, Chandigarh State President Rakesh Sangar, State Secretary Himanshi Nath, representative of World Record of Excellence, England, Sanjay Panjwani, representatives of various voluntary organizations working in the field of blood donation, social workers and other distinguished guests were present on the occasion.
