PM Modi launches 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', emphasises role of youth in 'Viksit Bharat' journey
New Delhi, August 2
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said it is essential that the youth are physically and mentally healthy, are full of self-confidence and are away from any kind of drug-abuse as India marches forward in its journey of Viksit Bharat.
The Prime Minister, who launched the 'Nasha Mukta Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan', through video-conferencing, said the nationwide campaign against substance abuse, was aimed at benefiting individuals, families, society and the nation.
"The campaign we are witnessing today is for the individual, the family, and society; above all, it is for the nation. The very name of this movement--the 'Drug-Free Youth' initiative under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan--clarifies its resolve," PM Modi said.
"As the nation sets its sights on becoming a Viksit Bharat, it is essential that our youth be healthy in body and mind, brimming with self-confidence, and forever free from the deadly habit of drugs. This is the objective of the campaign. We must resolve to ensure that our youth understand the dangers of drugs and addiction, remain vigilant, and stay away from this destructive habit," he added.
PM Modi also highlighted the power of collective participation in driving social campaigns, saying that people often find it difficult to undertake challenging tasks individually, but collective efforts can inspire greater enthusiasm and energy.
"There are some tasks that, when undertaken individually, can sometimes lead to frustration, a sense of fatigue, and a reluctance to cover long distances. But when they turn into a collective campaign, and millions of people march shoulder to shoulder, even those who couldn't manage them on their own find themselves infused with a surge of energy," PM Modi said.
"Today, this campaign, driven by that very strength, is touching every young heart," he added.
The Prime Minister said the campaign was launched last year as a pilot project from Kashi.
"This campaign was launched last year as a pilot project. Over 125 spiritual organisations have joined us today for the welfare of crores of our fellow citizens. Therefore, we all must take a pledge that our youth understand the dangers of addiction and drugs, remain aware in every way, and stay away from them," he said.
The 'Nasha Mukta Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan' seeks to inspire young people to stay away from substance abuse and encourage them to become ambassadors of positive social change in their communities.
The launch marks the beginning of a 100-week nationwide Jan Bhagidari campaign against substance abuse, under which weekly activities will be organised every Sunday across the country to promote awareness and public participation in building a drug-free society.
The campaign features sports events, walkathons, meditation sessions, cultural programmes, awareness drives, nukkad nataks, discussion forums, art competitions and community engagement programmes.
The initiative aims to bring educational institutions, youth organisations, civil society groups, industry bodies and spiritual organisations together on a common platform to strengthen the collective movement against substance abuse.
The programme witnessed participation from youth at more than 10,000 locations across the country, with MY Bharat volunteers, National Service Scheme volunteers, youth clubs, schools, colleges, universities, NGOs and youth wings of industry associations joining virtually.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative, but I wish this would have come earlier. My nephew got into drugs during college and it destroyed our whole family. At least now the government is taking it seriously. 100 weeks of Jan Bhagidari is a strong commitment. Hope it reaches every village, not just cities.
As a youth volunteer from Bengaluru, I participated in the walkathon today! The energy was incredible. 10,000 locations participating virtually shows how much awareness this issue needs. Proud to be part of the Viksit Bharat journey! 💪✨
Solid initiative from India. I work with NGOs back in the US and addiction is a global crisis. The focus on collective participation and community-based solutions is smart. 100 weeks of consistent effort can definitely create lasting change. Wishing India success in this mission!
Respect to PM Modi for prioritising this. But I'd like to see stronger action against the drug mafia too, not just awareness campaigns. A bit of criticism: we need stricter border control and tracking of drug supply chains. Awareness is good, but enforcement is equally important.
The PM's point about collective energy is so true! When I joined the nukkad natak group in my village near Mysuru, I was shy at first, but together we created something impactful. The spirit of Jan Bhagidari is real. Let's make India drug-free! 🎭🌿
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