SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Friday urged students from Jammu and Kashmir studying at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) to remain focused on their academic goals, stay away from substance abuse and preserve their cultural identity while pursuing higher education away from home.
Interacting with a delegation of J&K students at Raj Bhawan, the Governor emphasised that education carries both opportunity and responsibility, advising students not to allow distractions to derail their ambitions.
Expressing concern over the growing menace of drug abuse among youth, Gupta described substance addiction as a serious challenge confronting the younger generation. He called upon students to remain vigilant and support peers who may be vulnerable to addiction.
“If you see a friend slipping, do not look away. That is the truest test of friendship,” he told the students, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in combating the drug menace.
During the interaction, the students expressed interest in learning about the Governor’s public life. Sharing experiences from his political journey, Gupta spoke about the values of perseverance, integrity and public service, urging students to learn not only from success but also from setbacks and challenges.
The Governor also underscored the importance of remaining connected to one’s roots. He encouraged students to take pride in the languages, traditions and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir and contribute towards their preservation.
“Languages carry the memory of a people. When a language fades, a way of seeing the world is lost forever,” he observed.
Gupta further expressed hope that students from J&K pursuing studies in Himachal Pradesh would serve as ambassadors of goodwill, fostering stronger bonds of friendship, understanding and cultural exchange between the two regions.
