Meerut, July 23 -- Uttar Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel on Wednesday raised concerns over alleged drug supply in hostels of universities, urged students to stay away from substance abuse, and called for greater awareness among youth while addressing the 38th convocation ceremony of Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU) in Meerut. She also stressed the importance of character building, women empowerment, scientific innovation, and academic excellence while awarding gold medals to meritorious students. A total of 199 students received gold medals from the governor during the convocation ceremony. In one of the strongest remarks during her address, she claimed that she had witnessed evidence of drug abuse and alcohol consumption while inspecting university hostels across the state. "I have visited hostels at nearly 15 universities. Liquor bottles were lying outside several hostels. Drugs are also reaching students through food deliveries coming from outside. I have shown photographs of these incidents to hostel managements and vice-chancellors," she said. Calling upon students to reject substance abuse, the governor said addiction could never solve any problem. "We have not even consumed tea for four generations in our family, while today's youth are becoming addicted to drugs. Drugs gradually destroy a person's dreams, talent, health and the hopes of the family," she said. Expressing concern over what she described as a lack of awareness among young people, the governor said many students often participate in demonstrations without understanding the underlying issues. "One person picks up a flag and starts marching, and others simply follow. Young people should first understand whether what they are doing is in the interest of the nation," she said. The governor suggested that the scope of honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) degrees should be broadened to recognise individuals who may not possess advanced formal education but have demonstrated exceptional expertise in traditional arts, crafts or skills. She particularly referred to women in rural areas who were making others self-reliant and said such individuals deserved similar recognition. The Governor also encouraged universities to strengthen education in emerging technologies, particularly space science....