Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect held at Manipur University with focus on youth and drug-free society
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 12 2026: The National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell, Manipur University organised Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Phase-2 at the Court Hall, Canchipur on Wednesday under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.

As per a release issued by MU, the programme aimed to engage youth with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and promote discipline, social responsibility and a drug-free society.

The event began with the NSS song, Vande Mataram and the National Anthem.

Prof RK Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge), Manipur University attended as chief guest.

Prof Ch Ibohal Singh, Dean of Students' Welfare, presided.

Youth icon Pinubala Laishram and Prof L Santosh Singh.

Programme Coordinator, NSS Cell, attended as guests of honour.

Around 150 participants including NSS Programme Officers, volunteers, coordinators and Princy Gupta, Assistant Director & Youth Officer, MY Bharat, Imphal East, took part.

In his opening remarks, Prof Santosh Singh said the 15-day nationwide campaign from August 1-15 seeks to take the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision to the grassroots.

Administering the Viksit Bharat pledge, Prof Hemakumar Singh said a developed India by 2047 requires the active participation, discipline and commitment of youth.

He stressed that such initiatives must inspire responsibility toward institutions and communities.

Flagging drug abuse and addiction, he underlined the need for a healthy generation.

He also highlighted the University's efforts for a plastic-free and drug-free campus and called for collective responsibility.

Prof Ch Ibohal Singh said India's large youth population is its greatest strength and NSS provides a vital platform to build socially sensitive citizens.

He urged volunteers to take campaigns like Nasha Mukt Bharat to adopted villages.

Pinubala Laishram spoke on the impact of substance and digital addiction on health, education and family life.

She stressed that families, institutions and youth must work together and that seeking help should not be seen as shameful.

A highlight was the felicitation of NSS volunteers who represented Manipur University at the North East NSS Festival 2026 at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, winning Best Discipline and prizes in cultural and poster events.

The programme concluded with the message that Viksit Bharat 2047 will depend on the health, character and active participation of youth.

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