Featured
Mahim Dargha Trust,Sufi Islamic Board, Bombay Utkal Samiti Launch ‘Drug-Free India’ Campaign; IRS Officer Sameer Wankhede Extends Support
Salaam people National Desk
MUMBAI, INDIA — Mumbai Utkal English High School, a prominent educational institution managed by the Bombay Utkal Samiti, hosted its highly anticipated Topper Felicitation Ceremony 2026. The grand event, organized to celebrate the exceptional academic achievements of HSC and SSC toppers from 50 schools across Mumbai, also served as a major collaborative platform for the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat (Drug-Free Youth for Developed India) campaign.
The event was jointly organized by the Sufi Islamic Board and the Mumbai Utkal Samiti, in collaboration with My Bharat, an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, which aims to achieve a completely drug-free nation by the year 2047. The ceremony took place on June 27, 2026, at the school premises located on Shri Shri Krushna Chandra Gajapati Marg, Kurla (West), Mumbai.
The high-profile ceremony was graced by several distinguished personalities, including Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Sameer Wankhede, who serves as an Additional Commissioner in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. Other notable dignitaries in attendance included Sufi Mansoor Khan, National President of the Sufi Islamic Board; Sohail Khandwani, Managing Trustee of the Mahim and Haji Ali Dargahs; and Mohammed Ibrahim Baloch (popularly known as Mehul Kumar), a prominent film writer and director, alongside various other eminent leaders from Mumbai and Odisha.
Addressing the gathering, the esteemed guests offered strong words of encouragement to the students. They emphasized that acknowledging and rewarding young achievers is a vital pillar in inspiring future generations toward academic focus, excellence, and positive community building.
“Today, drug abuse is a major challenge facing our country, and we must all come together to fight against this menace,” said Mr. Sufi Mansoor Khan, National President of the Sufi Islamic Board. “India possesses an immense youth population. My appeal to the youth is to stay away from drugs, as they destroy both individual lives and the future of our nation. The Sufi Islamic Board has been actively working on the Drug-Free India campaign for several years, including initiatives at Sabarmati Jail in Gujarat and various programs across Mumbai.”
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Sohail Khandwani stated, “I deeply appreciate and support this campaign. As the Trustee of the Haji Ali and Mahim Dargahs, we consistently champion anti-drug initiatives and regularly organize seminars and events to combat drug trafficking.”
Before the culmination of the ceremony, a formal Nasha Mukti (Anti-Drug) pledge was administered to the students by Sufi Mansoor Khan, concluding with resonant slogans of “Bhartiyata Zindabad” echoing across the school premises.