The Narcotics Control Bureau celebrated its 41st Raising Day on Tuesday, marking more than four decades of dedicated service in the war. drug trafficking and drug abuse across the country.To commemorate the occasion, nationwide youth mobilization programs for a drug-free India were organized at around 40 locations including Delhi, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Raipur, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Agartala.The programs included anti-drug pledges, awareness sessions, rallies and heritage walks, with a focus on preventing substance abuse, promoting drug-free lifestyle, strengthening institutional partnerships and directly connecting with the youth. The day-long activities highlighted the health, psychological, social and legal consequences of drug abuse as well as preventive strategies, early warning signs, recovery pathways and available support systems.Participants were made aware of the harmful effects of drug abuse, its social and legal implications and the importance of making informed, healthy life choices. Students and teachers were also encouraged to actively promote NCB’s MANAS Helpline (1933) to provide information and seek assistance related to drug abuse and trafficking.A large number of students took oath against drug abuse in a program organized at Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi. Fitness influencer Ankit Bayanpuriya, while addressing the gathering, highlighted the importance of health and fitness and inspired the students to stay away from drugs.In Jodhpur, under the ‘Drug Free India Campaign’, a heritage walk involving around 400 participants was organized at the iconic Ghanta Ghar to raise awareness against drug abuse and promote healthy lifestyle. In Chandigarh, an awareness program was organized at Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management with the participation of about 250 students.A meditation session was organized in Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in collaboration with Shri Ramchandra Mission. In Bengaluru, around 5,000 students participated in a walkathon and awareness program at Rajarajeshwari Medical College and Hospital, which included a walkathon and sessions on the ill effects of drug abuse.