Vijayapura Rallies for a Brighter Future: 6,000 Students March for a Drug-Free Karnataka
VIJAYAPURA — In a powerful display of collective resolve, thousands of students and faculty members took to the streets of Vijayapura on Friday, transforming the “Land of Five Rivers” into a focal point for a statewide movement against substance abuse. The “Drug-Free Campus and Organ Donation Campaign,” a cornerstone of the broader Swastha Bharath Shresta Bharath initiative, marked its 11th major milestone in a mission to insulate the next generation from the perils of addiction.
Led by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in collaboration with the Dishabodh Foundation and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the event underscored a grim reality: drug addiction is not merely a personal struggle but a catalyst for societal and familial collapse.
A Mandate for Health and Safety
Addressing a massive gathering at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Ground, Dr. Bhagavan B.C., Vice-Chancellor of RGUHS, delivered a stirring call to action. He emphasized that the foundation of a secure future rests entirely on a firm, collective rejection of all forms of addiction.
“Drug addiction pushes individuals toward self-destruction and severely disrupts families and society at large,” Dr. Bhagavan stated. “Only a firm and collective resolve to stay away from all forms of addiction can lay the foundation for a safe, healthy, and secure future.”
The campaign, titled Yuvashuddhi Abiyan, has already seen significant momentum. To date, the initiative has traversed 10 districts, engaging nearly 55,000 students and staff from approximately 300 colleges. The Vijayapura chapter added another 6,000 participants to these growing ranks. 
Strategic Expansion to Schools
While the current focus remains on higher education, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that the roadmap for a “Drug-Free India” is expanding. A structured action plan is now in place to bring these awareness programs into schools, targeting younger demographics to instill healthy habits early on.
“When awareness about healthy living begins at an early age, it strengthens the very roots of the future,” Dr. Bhagavan noted, adding that the mission will not conclude until every educational institution in the state is declared a safe zone. “Our efforts will not stop until all our campuses are fully drug-free and healthy.”
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Unity Across the “Land of Five Rivers”
The event began with a spirited walkathon starting from the historic Shri Siddeshwara Temple and concluding at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Ground. The march served as a visual testament to the “unprecedented support” received from various sectors of society, including district ministers, legislators, and public representatives.
Highlighting the regional significance of the event, Dr. Bhagavan expressed pride in bringing the 11th phase of the campaign to Vijayapura. “Vijayapura, the land of five rivers, has its own historical and cultural significance. It is a matter of pride for us that our 11th programme is being held here,” he said.
A Collaborative Front
The campaign’s success in Vijayapura was bolstered by a heavy-hitting roster of officials and community leaders. Key attendees included:
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Dr. Gangadhar S. Sambanni, Chairman of the City Development Authority
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Laxman Nimbargi, Superintendent of Police
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Bhavana R, Narcotics Control Bureau
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Dr. Shivanand Mastiholi, District Surgeon
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Yogi Devaraj, Director of Dishabodh Foundation
The presence of Senate and Syndicate members from RGUHS, alongside the principals and management of affiliated colleges, signaled a unified institutional front against the drug menace.
As the rally concluded, the message remained clear: the journey toward a healthier Karnataka is far from over, but the momentum shifted significantly in Vijayapura. The university and its partners have vowed to continue their “relentless” pursuit of a campus environment where the only thing students are addicted to is their own potential.
