ICAR-NIBSM Hosts Expert Lecture to Promote Youth Empowerment and Drug-Free Society

As part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness on social and national issues, the ICAR–National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (ICAR-NIBSM) organised an expert lecture on "Youth Empowerment and Drug De-Addiction" on Monday, encouraging young people to adopt healthy lifestyles and contribute towards building a drug-free society.

The programme was chaired by Dr. P. K. Rai, Director of ICAR-NIBSM, who underscored the importance of nurturing aware, healthy and value-oriented youth as the nation's greatest asset. He said a drug-free society can be achieved through value-based education, sustained awareness campaigns and collective community participation. He also urged scientists, staff and students to act as motivators for drug de-addiction initiatives in their respective spheres.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Neeta Sharma, a renowned Homeopathic Super Specialist, highlighted the pivotal role of youth in shaping India's future. She described the rising incidence of substance abuse as a serious social challenge and stressed that it can be tackled through public awareness, timely counselling, family support and collective social responsibility.

Addressing students and young participants, Dr. Sharma encouraged them to cultivate positive thinking, strong moral values, emotional resilience and ethical behaviour to become responsible citizens. The session concluded with an interactive discussion, during which she answered participants' questions and addressed concerns related to addiction and mental well-being.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Joint Directors Dr. Anil Dixit, Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Dr. K. K. Mandal and Dr. Daisy Basandrai, along with scientists, researchers, students and members of the administrative, finance and technical staff.

The programme was coordinated by Principal Scientist Dr. K. C. Sharma, while Dr. Yogesh Yele proposed the vote of thanks. The event concluded with a collective pledge by all participants to empower youth, promote healthy lifestyles and work together towards creating a drug-free society through sustained awareness and community engagement.