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‘Stay Free, Stay Sober’ Campaign Receives Encouraging Response Across Nagpur

Nagpur: The first campaign under “Stay Free, Stay Sober: Drug-Free Nagpur” received an encouraging response from citizens across Nagpur on Sunday. Organised by Kalki Foundation and Kritsnam Foundation, in collaboration with Youth for Seva, Project Soch, Avabodh Foundation, CIIPS and Ismaili Foundation, the four-hour awareness drive brought together young volunteers and citizens to spread awareness…

‘Stay Free, Stay Sober’ Campaign Receives Encouraging Response Across Nagpur
Nagpur Today

Nagpur : The first campaign under “Stay Free, Stay Sober: Drug-Free Nagpur” received an encouraging response from citizens across Nagpur on Sunday. Organised by Kalki Foundation and Kritsnam Foundation, in collaboration with Youth for Seva, Project Soch, Avabodh Foundation, CIIPS and Ismaili Foundation, the four-hour awareness drive brought together young volunteers and citizens to spread awareness about drug abuse and promote healthier choices.

Conducted from 2 pm to 6 pm, the campaign was designed “by Gen-Z, for Gen-Z and with Gen-Z”, with the objective of making conversations around drug abuse more relatable, scientific and engaging for young people.

The organisers said the initiative attracted participation from both Gen-Z and Gen Alpha, who interacted with members of the public and actively contributed to spreading the message. The campaign is planned to continue as a sustained movement until January 26, 2027.

Awareness Drive Held Across 13 Locations

The campaign was conducted at Futala, Sitabuldi, Rahate Colony, Chhatrapati, Pratap Nagar, Sadar, Bajaj Nagar–Abhyankar Nagar, Laxmi Bhuwan, Law College, Pagalkhana and RBI Square.

Volunteers interacted with pedestrians, motorists, residents, students, teachers, families and local vendors. Many citizens stopped to learn about the initiative, clicked photographs, shared their views and appreciated the efforts of the young volunteers.

The campaign was led by Parag Kesharvani, Sampann Pande, Ankit Singh, Tanmay Dhamgaye, Himanshu Tiwari, Harshita Dayma, Rajendra Deshmukh, Raghav Dave, Advik Kriplani, Prathamesh Gaikwad, Vilas Mahajan, Lekhraj Wankhede, Pravin Kuthe and Shazia, with Gen-Z volunteers working across the respective locations.

Students and Families Participate

The initiative received support from schools, colleges and social workers across Nagpur. Teachers and students participated in awareness interactions, while families and young people actively engaged with volunteers.

At RBI Square, more than 100 students and family members participated in the programme. Volunteers used slogans and direct conversations with locals to spread awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

One of the campaign’s key slogans was:

“Drugs, leave Nagpur. No drugs in my family, friends and society. Aur hume chahiye drugs and nashe se azaadi.”

Organisers said the interactions generated positive responses from citizens and encouraged more people to discuss the need for a drug-free society.

Nagpur Police Extends Support

The campaign also received appreciation and support from Nagpur Police and local authorities at several locations.

Police personnel interacted with volunteers, offered guidance and appreciated the youth-led initiative. At Bajaj Nagar–Abhyankar Nagar, citizens, parents, youngsters and local vendors shared their experiences and opinions with the campaign team.

The campaign also facilitated conversations with NGOs and community members, some of whom approached volunteers to understand more about the initiative.

Interviews with students, teachers and citizens were conducted at several locations to gather public views and feedback.

From One-Day Campaign to Youth Movement

The organisers described the first campaign as the beginning of a larger movement rather than a standalone event.

“Stay Free, Stay Sober” aims to continue as a youth-led campaign until January 26, 2027, with Gen-Z and Gen Alpha expected to play an active role in carrying the message forward.

The organisers said the initiative represents young people coming together to speak openly about drug abuse and advocate for healthier communities.

About Kalki Foundation

The Kalki Foundation is a youth-led organisation focused on civic leadership, public welfare and social awareness.

About Kritsnam Foundation

The Kritsnam Foundation focuses on research, community and tribal welfare, youth development, and civil rights and responsibilities.

Source: Nagpur Today