Director General of Police Ashok Tewari today called upon students, parents and teachers to actively participate the Anti-Chitta Jan Andolan being spearheaded by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, emphasising that protecting the younger generation from drug abuse is a shared responsibility of families, educational institutions, the police and society at large.
Addressing students and parents as the Chief Guest at the Annual Day function of the Convent of Jesus and Mary School, Chelsea, Shimla, the DGP conveyed the Chief Minister’s message of building a drug-free Himachal Pradesh. He explained that the Anti-Chitta Jan Andolan is not merely a police campaign against drug traffickers but a people’s movement aimed at safeguarding the future of the state’s youth.
He urged students to become ambassadors of this movement among their friends and families and encouraged parents and teachers to remain vigilant against the growing threat of chitta. He emphasised that preventing drug abuse must begin at home and in schools, through awareness, open communication, early identification of warning signs and timely intervention.
The DGP particularly appealed to parents to spend quality time with their children, listen to their concerns and create an atmosphere of trust in which children feel comfortable sharing their problems. He observed that children often face pressures relating to academic performance, peer acceptance and social expectations, making parental understanding and emotional support especially important.
"The home is a child’s first school and parents are the first teachers. The values, confidence and courage we instil in our children today will shape the decisions they make tomorrow," he observed.
Drawing inspiration from the Annual Day theme, 'Ocean Odyssey', the DGP encouraged students to approach life with curiosity, courage and kindness. He reminded them that success is not measured merely by academic achievements or professional positions, but equally by the kind of human beings they become. He urged them to stand up for what is right, resist negative peer pressure and never allow temporary failures to define their future.
Appreciating the colourful performances, including drill displays, band performances, karate demonstrations and skating, he congratulated the students, teachers and parents for their dedication and efforts in making the programme successful.
As part of the outreach programme, Himachal Pradesh Police also organised an awareness stall on Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) at the school. Students and parents were familiarized with the emergency helpline, its Track Me facility and the importance of seeking timely assistance.
The occasion also provided an opportunity to highlight the remarkable improvement in Himachal Pradesh’s ERSS-112 performance, which has risen from 34th position to first position nationally in emergency response time rankings.
The DGP reiterated that while Himachal Pradesh Police remains committed to taking firm action against drug traffickers, lasting success against chitta requires active public participation. He appealed to every student, parent and teacher present to carry the Chief Minister’s Anti-Chitta Jan Andolan message beyond the school premises and contribute towards protecting the youth and securing a drug-free future for Himachal Pradesh.
