ROHTAK: In a novel initiative on National Panchayati Raj Day, Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak launched the country’s first “Drug-Free Home” campaign from village Madodi Rangdan of the district on Thursday. This unique campaign was conceptualized by MDU vice-chancellor Prof. Rajbir Singh, and officially flagged off with the hosting of the nation’s first Gram Sabha dedicated to this cause.
Inaugurating the campaign, Prof. Rajbir Singh described it as a global necessity, stressing that a drug-free home is not just a social effort but a critical step for the safety of families and society. He stated that drugs severely harm an individual’s mental and physical health and corrode the foundations of families and communities.
The vice-chancellor announced that students from MDU-affiliated colleges will join the campaign as “Gram Saarthis” (village ambassadors), who will act as vigilant volunteers and spread the message throughout society. He asserted that this campaign will prove to be a milestone in the country’s drug eradication efforts.
Sharanjit Kaur, chairperson, Rehabilitation Council of India, graced the occasion as the guest of honour. She praised the initiative as a unique step towards building a drug-free India. Kaur urged villagers to keep homes drug-free, protect children from addiction, assist those affected, and link them to counseling and rehabilitation centres.
The sarpanch of village Marodhi, Mausam, expressed gratitude to MDU for choosing their village for this historic initiative and pledged full support to make more homes drug-free.
The event was moderated by Prof. (In Practice) Sunil Jaglan, noted social worker and MDU outreach representative. He inspired villagers by citing examples like Bibipur village and called for collective participation.
Prof. Anju Dhiman, Director, University Outreach, coordinated the programme. MDU outreach volunteers demonstrated a model Gram Sabha. Students Prince Kumar (as Gram Secretary) and Yanshi Desai (as Haryanvi Sarpanch) enacted key roles.
Notably, out of 450 homes in Marodhi, only 22 are currently drug-free as per a survey conducted by MDU outreach volunteers. The village has a population of around 2,800.
