The Delhi Police Crime Branch and Bhagidari Jan Sahyog Samiti jointly organised a National Level Nukkad Natak and a National Level Research Paper Presentation Competition in collaboration with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), Delhi, on the theme “Prevention of Use of Drugs”. The event was held at the NDMC Convention Centre, Sansad Marg, New Delhi, in the august presence of Dr. Rajinder Dhar, Member, National Commission for Women (NCW), Government of India, and District Judge, Consumer Court, South District.

After two days of the National Nukkad Natak Competition at the GGSIPU Open Theater and Auditorium, YMCA Tourist Hostel, Jai Singh Road, four student teams made it to the final round — All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, Janki Devi Memorial College (Delhi University), Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila University (Haryana), and Maharshi Dayanand University (Haryana). The Running Trophy was won by Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila University, Haryana.

Apart from the finalists, several other institutions also performed, including Rajasthan Technical University (Kota), DAV University (Punjab), Banasthali Vidyapeeth (Rajasthan), Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU, Delhi), K.R. Mangalam University (Haryana), S.V. Subharti University (U.P.), Lingaya’s Lalita Devi Institute of Management and Science (Delhi), KIIT College of Education (Gurugram), Sharda University (U.P.), and SCERT. All participating teams gave exemplary performances and were awarded team mementos.

In the National Research Paper Presentation Competition, 35 participants — including professors and research scholars — presented their work from across the country, representing Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The Research School of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University won the Running Trophy. An exhibition on Prevention of Use of Drugs was also organised, attracting students and faculty members. The exhibition was described as educational and inspiring in its call to quit drugs.

Delivering the welcome address, Vijay Gaur, Chief Convenor of the programme and Chairperson of Bhagidari Jan Sahyog Samiti, said:

“If we create awareness among youth for prevention of drug use, we save the country, because youth constitute the highest number in our population. Such programmes will prove to be an effective medium to fulfil the dream of a Drug-Free Delhi 2027.”

Addressing the gathering, Devesh Chandra Srivastava, IAS, Special Commissioner of Police, said:

“When we discuss the issue of drug use, we must remember three things: it is not cool; it is not a stress-buster; and if you take it, you will become habitual, which is very harmful to health. Not only should we abstain, but we must also educate others not to take drugs. Drug addicts are victims too. We must support them with counselling, without discrimination.”

He also appreciated the contribution of Kailash Hills Community Association, Glaze Trading India Pvt. Ltd., Modern International School Dwarka, and Jagriti Vahini Foundation in organising the event.

The programme was well coordinated by the NSS members of DPSRU University under the supervision of Bharat Bhushan, Vice Chairperson of the Samiti. The proceedings were moderated by Kamlesh Sharma.