· ‘Swasthya Manthan-2026’ concludes at HPNLU
Governor Kavinder Gupta has called upon the youth to take the lead in promoting health awareness, combating stigma and discrimination and strengthening the spirit of humanitarian service in society. He was addressing the closing ceremony of ‘Swasthya Manthan-2026’, a National youth festival and conclave on the theme “Harnessing Youth Leadership for a healthier Tomorrow” organized by Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla in collaboration with State & District Red Cross Society, HP and NCC Unit of HPNLU at HPNLU on Sunday.
While congratulating the winners of various competitions and all participants, the Governor said the theme of the event, “Empowering Youth Leadership for a Healthy Tomorrow,” was highly relevant in the present times. He said young people were not only the future of the country but also its greatest strength today, and their awareness, sensitivity and active participation were essential for building a healthy society.
The Governor, who is also the President of the State Red Cross, said health was not limited to hospitals and medical treatment but was equally linked with dignity, equality, awareness and social justice. He emphasised the need to eliminate misconceptions and discrimination against people living with health conditions and said society must fight ignorance and stigma along with disease.
Highlighting the role of youth, he urged them to spread authentic health information, challenge myths and misconceptions and encourage people to seek appropriate healthcare and counselling whenever required. He said law was not merely a collection of rules and provisions but an instrument to protect the dignity, equality and rights of individuals. The convergence of public health, law and psychology was therefore important for building a healthy body, a healthy mind and a sensitive society.
Calling upon the youth to carry a sense of responsibility beyond the event, the Governor said, “Leadership is not defined by position or authority, true leadership is defined by responsibility and service.”
He urged the participants to promote a society where people could seek help without fear, patients were treated with dignity, correct health information reached everyone, and no person faced discrimination on the basis of a health condition.
The Governor congratulated HPNLU, Youth Red Cross, State and District Red Cross, NCC, faculty members and the organising committee for successfully conducting Swasthya Manthan-2026. He expressed hope that the deliberations would inspire new initiatives in health awareness, youth leadership and humanitarian service across the country and formally declared the conclusion of Swasthya Manthan-2026.
Earlier, VC of HPNLU Prof. Priti Saxena welcomed the Governor on the occasion. -0-