SHIMLA-13^th December, 2024 -Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla called upon the Red Cross volunteers and women to work unitedly against drug abuse. He said that women particularly girls students should come forward to fight against drug abuse.

The Governor was speaking during the inaugural function of the district-level Red Cross fair organized by District Red Cross Society, Solan at Nalagarh, today.

He said that the Red Cross was working for the cause of suffering humanity and its services could also be utilized to eradicate social evils from society. He urged the people to associate themselves with the Red Cross so that humanitarian activities could be undertaken to provide succour to the under-privileged. Efforts should be made to mobilize resources for gearing up welfare activities and the responsible citizens should associate themselves with the activities of the Red Cross.

The Governor said that the Red Cross fairs were testimony to the spirit of compassion, unity and service, which defines the Red Cross Movement. “The symbol of the Red Cross inspires human welfare and it is a ray of hope for the poor and needy people. We should also take inspiration from this organization and serve the poor and needy'', said the Governor.

He also counted services provided by the Red Cross societies including free medicines and other medical facilities to the poor during the disasters.

He lauded the efforts of the Solan District Red Cross Society for organizing various programmes with a view to educate and mobilize the people to associate themselves with the movement.

Sh. Shukla also urged the industrialists to donate generously towards the Red Cross Fund. He also directed the district branch to add more life members.

The Governor released the book "Kainth ke Ped", written by Rajot Singh on the occasion.

He also honoured the donors including Manoj Aggarwal, Shashi Kaushal, Surender Sharma and Chaudhary Harbhajan Singh on the occasion.

Hardeep Singh Bava, MLA from Nalagarh welcomed the Governor and thanked him for inaugurating three day District Red Cross Mela. He also thanked him for dedicating Blood Depression Unit at Balavanh and added that it was second unit set up after IGMC Shimla.

Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, District Red Cross Society Manmohan Sharma also welcomed and honoured the Governor.

The Governor also inaugurated the Blood Bank Component Separation Unit constructed at the cost of approx. Rs. 2 crore on the initiative of Indian Red Cross Society, Himachal Pradesh and Corporate Social Responsibility of Kinvan Private Limited.

He also inaugurated the exhibition put up by various departments and stalls of various organizations and blood donation camp.

Later, the Governor attended the 'Nasha Nivaran Jan Jagran programme' at Radiali Panchayat of Nalagarh Development Block. On the occasion, the Governor said that he has launched a campaign against drug abuse at the Panchayat level in the entire State. The representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions were being associated with this campaign. He added that sincere efforts were being made to combat this problem by involving women in particular. He said that the illegal drug business has increased rapidly in Himachal Pradesh. "We all are concerned about drug abuse as it is a question of the future of the coming generation. We all need to fight against this evil together", said Shukla.

The Governor said that the fight against drug abuse needs to be started from every household. "If every person stands firmly against drug abuse, then this problem will go away on its own", he added. He said that women could play a key role in this campaign. He also urged the local MLA to run a campaign against drug abuse. The Governor sought the support of women in the Jan Jagran Abhiyan for de-addiction.

There was a need to make Devbhoomi drug-free. Even, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has expressed concern over the increasing drug addiction in Himachal and had asked me to work in this direction, stated the Governor. He also interacted with the villagers on the issue.

The Governor flagged off the anti-drugs rally on the occasion.

Lady Governor Smt Janaki Shukla, Chairperson, Nagar Parishad, Nalagarh, Vandana Bansal, former MLA K.L.Thakur, Secretary to Governor, C.P.Verma, Chief Executive Officer, BBNDA Sonakshi Tomar, Superintendent of Police, Vinod Dhiman, office bearers of district Red Cross Society, members of Nalagarh Industrial Association, students from various schools and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.