Jaipur/Bikaner, Oct. 4 -- A 28-day fast by Bikaner sociology professor Shyam Sunder Jyani and his wife, Kavita, has helped take their anti-substance abuse campaign to 3,199 villages and towns, with 2,25,390 pledges recorded on its digital platform, according to campaign figures. The couple began the fast on September 5 and concluded it on October 2, calling it "Guru Se Gandhi Tak". The campaign, Lok Sankalp, seeks to challenge the social acceptance of substance use, particularly the practice of serving intoxicants at weddings and gatherings. "The fight against substance abuse cannot remain limited to the individual. The social environment that makes offering or consuming intoxicants appear normal also needs to change," Jyani said. Launched on September 5, the campaign recorded participation from all 41 Rajasthan districts, 16 states and six countries, according to organisers. More than 500 Lok Sankalp Sabhas were also held. Jyani, an associate professor at Government Dungar College, is convener of its Nai Kiran Nasha Mukti Kendra under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The initiative promotes community action, responsible parenting, youth engagement and access to counselling and rehabilitation. During the fast, symbolic one-day fasts and awareness programmes were organised. On September 28, "Inquilab 28" saw 17,002 people from 4,906 families across 2,025 villages and towns participate, organisers said. With the fast ending on Gandhi Jayanti, Lok Sankalp has entered its second phase, with enrolment opening for "Sankalp Doot" volunteers and plans for a year-long programme in selected villages....