Agartala, January 11, 2025: The Tripura government has launched an ambitious initiative to build a drug-free society and promote public awareness on road safety, consumer protection, and public health. The inaugural event of the ‘Jagriti-2025’ program was held at Rajarshi Hall, Udaipur under Gomati district. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, officials, and dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, who inaugurated the program, stressed the importance of collective efforts to combat addiction. “The administration alone cannot achieve the vision of a drug-free society. It requires the active participation of every citizen,” he remarked. Highlighting the role of the youth, he added, “If we can make school, college, and university students aware of the ill effects of addiction, society as a whole will benefit.”
The program, organized jointly by the state government’s Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Transport Departments in collaboration with the Higher Education Department aims to raise awareness among the youth. The first phase targeted colleges from South Tripura, Gomati and Sepahijala districts.
Food and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, the chief guest called on the youth to take the lead in public awareness campaigns. “Human resources are our greatest asset. If the youth come forward, we can create a society free from addiction, and ensure road safety and consumer protection,” he stated.
Cooperatives Minister Shuklacharan Noatia highlighted the importance of the quiz competition organized under the program. “This competition not only spreads awareness about addiction but also educates participants about consumer protection laws,” he noted.
Adding a judicial perspective, Justice Arindam Lodh of the Tripura High Court commended the initiative. “Engaging college and university students in such awareness programs is a commendable step that will benefit society immensely,” he said.
The event was presided over by Gomati Zilla Parishad Sabhadipati Debal Debroy and attended by MLAs Ranjit Das, Abhishek Debroy, Kishor Barman and Jitendra Majumdar and Udaipur Municipal Council Chairperson Shital Chandra Majumdar. Ravel Hemendra Kumar, Secretary of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, and Sumit Lodh, Director of the Food department, also addressed the audience.
A mega quiz competition formed the highlight of the event, featuring participation from students of various colleges. The main round saw six top teams compete fiercely, with Shreya Modak and Abhijit Chakraborty clinching the first prize of an LED TV. Karanjit Pal and Abhijit Debnath secured the second spot, winning a smartphone, while Aditi Das and Prasenjit Debnath took third place, receiving a smartwatch. These teams will now represent their districts in the state-level competition under the ‘Jagriti-2025’ program.
The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a socially aware and responsible generation, with a strong focus on health, safety, and legal awareness.
