Gujarat luanches 'Drug-Free Youth for Viksit Bharat Pledge Campaign'; CM Patel interacts with youth to promote campaign
Gandhinagar, August 2
Gujarat on Sunday organised a state-level programme titled "Gen-Z Against Addiction - Drug-Free Youth for Viksit Bharat Pledge Campaign" at the National Forensic Sciences University in Gandhinagar.
According to the Chief Minister's Office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also launched the nationwide 'Drug-Free Youth for Viksit Bharat Pledge Campaign', reaffirming the resolve to build a drug-free India. As part of the campaign, a state-level programme was organised at the NFSU in Gandhinagar.
Joining the programme virtually, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered an inspiring address to the youth of Gujarat and across the country, urging them to contribute towards building a drug-free India.
At the Gandhinagar event, Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel interacted with young participants, encouraging them to take a pledge for a drug-free India and emphasising that a drug-free youth is essential for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.
During the interactive session, young participants sought guidance from the Governor on a range of contemporary issues. Responding to a question on his lifelong commitment to national service and his message for the youth, Governor Acharya Devvrat said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a "Drug-Free Developed India" and is working tirelessly to realise this goal.
He stressed that India should become not only a developed nation but also a drug-free one, as the country's greatest asset is its youth.
He urged young people to cultivate positive passions instead of harmful addictions, saying they should develop an "addiction" to water conservation, environmental protection, and respect for elders.
Referring to national icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Bhagat Singh, he said that youth should embrace the spirit of dedication to the nation that made these leaders immortal.
Responding to another question regarding his campaign promoting natural farming, the Governor said that he regularly visits remote villages across Gujarat, stays overnight among farmers, and encourages tree plantation on one acre of Panchayat wasteland under the Prime Minister's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.
He explained that each planted tree is linked to a local family to ensure its long-term care, with monthly photographs and videos collected to monitor progress.
The Governor further said that he also visits Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households, shares meals with families, and engages with villagers on issues such as education, de-addiction, and natural farming.
He highlighted the harmful effects of chemical fertilisers on soil, the environment, and human health, noting that these sustained efforts have encouraged nearly 8.5 lakh farmers in Gujarat to adopt natural farming practices.
A volunteer from My Bharat asked Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel whether any special initiatives had been undertaken under his leadership to involve more youth in the anti-drug campaign.
Welcoming the suggestion, the Chief Minister said that the government is committed to transforming the campaign into a people's movement to ensure that young people remain free from addiction and contribute meaningfully to building a developed India. He emphasised that the spirit of 'My Bharat' should represent not individual interests but the nation's collective progress.
Referring to the Governor's address, he said the vision of what India should become had been clearly explained, and everyone must work together to achieve that goal.
The nationwide campaign witnessed participation from Governors of 26 states, including Gujarat, and Chief Ministers of 11 states.
All participating youth took the 'Drug-Free Youth - Viksit Bharat Pledge' during the programme. A special awareness video on drug-free youth was screened, followed by a street play highlighting the importance of combating substance abuse and encouraging responsible citizenship.
Addressing the gathering, My Bharat State Director Sachin Sharma said that, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Viksit Yuva, Viksit Bharat", My Bharat has connected with over 2.5 crore youth across the country, including more than 9 lakh youth in Gujarat.
He said the 'Drug-Free Youth - Viksit Bharat Pledge Campaign' aims to strengthen positive thinking, responsibility, and the spirit of national service among young people so they can play a leading role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Thousands of programmes across the country are witnessing participation from lakhs of youth under the campaign.
Among those present were Gandhinagar Mayor Smt. Miraben Patel, MLA Smt. Ritaben Patel, BJP City President Ashish Dave, NFSU Chancellor Dr. J. M. Vyas, District Collector Ravindra Khatale, NFSU Campus Director Dr. S. O. Junare, along with a large number of Gen-Z youth, school and college students, and participants attending both in person and online.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Governor's suggestion to have an "addiction" to water conservation and environmental protection is actually brilliant! We need to channel our energy into positive things. My college recently started a tree plantation drive under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' and the response has been overwhelming. Small steps matter! 🌱
Good initiative, but let's be realistic. Pledges and rallies alone won't solve the drug problem. We need stricter enforcement at the borders and ports where drugs enter, plus better rehabilitation programs for those already affected. I hope the government focuses on the implementation side as much as the awareness side. Otherwise, it's just another photo-op.
As someone from a border district in Gujarat, I can tell you this is much needed. We've seen how drugs from across the border have destroyed families. The Governor visiting villages and sharing meals with SC/ST families is commendable - that's how you build trust. Proud of this initiative! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
I appreciate the effort, but the emphasis on natural farming seems a bit out of place here. Also, if the Governor is truly committed to de-addiction, why not talk about mental health support? Many young people turn to drugs due to depression and anxiety. We need psychologists and counselors in every college, not just motivational speeches. Just my honest opinion. 🙌
This is a wonderful step! The street play and awareness video described in the article sound very impactful. My younger brother participated in a similar pledge at his school and now he's the one reminding us to stay away from junk
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