CBSE organises talkathon on drug abuse prevention, mental health and peer pressure

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on September 20 organised a 45-minute interactive talkathon on “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat”, bringing together experts, educators and students for a discussion on substance-abuse prevention and healthy and responsible choices.

The initiative followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call on August 2 for a Nasha Mukt Bharat by eliminating the menace of drugs and intoxicants. CBSE's talkathon was aimed at engaging directly with students through social media platforms including X, Instagram and YouTube. The board invited students to submit questions on substance abuse using the hashtags #NashaMuktYuva and #CBSETalkathon.

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Panel members, issues discussed

The programme was hosted by two Class 12 students, Samiya from PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sector 4, R K Puram, Delhi, and Rohit Singh from PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 3, Delhi Cantt. The technical, production and logistical support was provided by DD News. The programme was also live-streamed on CBSE’s official YouTube channel.

The expert panel included Professor Nand Kumar from the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS, New Delhi; Alka Awasthi, principal of Mayoor School, Noida; and Anees C, Additional Director, Narcotics Control Bureau, New Delhi.

Students raised questions on mental health, peer pressure and steps towards de-addiction. The panellists responded to the queries as they were received through social media platforms.

CBSE said the initiative was based on the idea that children and young adults need a strong foundation of healthy and responsible choices as they will form the youth of tomorrow and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The board said the programme received an encouraging response on social media, with #CBSETalkathon trending at number one in India during the event.