Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, a nationwide campaign aimed at inspiring young Indians to lead an addiction-free life and contribute to the vision of a developed India. Addressing a massive virtual gathering, the Prime Minister connected with more than one crore participants from over 28,000 locations across the country, describing the initiative as a collective national pledge for a healthier and stronger future.
Speaking to students, volunteers, educators, and members of social and spiritual organisations, Modi said the campaign is not merely about preventing substance abuse but about protecting the nation’s future. He emphasized that the strength of India depends on the health, confidence, and determination of its youth.
“A Drug-Free Bharat is the foundation of a Viksit Bharat,” the Prime Minister said, calling upon every citizen to support the nationwide mission.
Healthy youth key to India’s development
The Prime Minister underlined that India’s ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047 can only be achieved if its younger generation remains physically fit, mentally strong, and free from harmful addictions.
He noted that young people are driving India’s progress in fields such as technology, startups, artificial intelligence, innovation, sports, and space exploration. According to him, substance abuse threatens to destroy this potential by affecting concentration, health, and long-term aspirations.
Modi urged young Indians to protect their dreams and careers by staying away from drugs, saying that addiction not only damages individuals but also weakens families, communities, and ultimately the nation.
Campaign expands from Kashi to the entire nation
Recalling the origins of the movement, the Prime Minister said the campaign began as a pilot initiative in Kashi last year before growing into a nationwide mission.
He credited the support of more than 125 spiritual organisations, several non-governmental organisations, and the collective efforts under the Kashi Declaration for transforming the campaign into a national movement.
The Prime Minister said this partnership between society, spiritual institutions, volunteers, and the government demonstrates how collective action can create meaningful social change.
100-week mission for a drug-free India
One of the key features of the campaign is its 100-week outreach programme. Modi announced that every Sunday during this period will be dedicated to activities promoting awareness about the dangers of drug addiction.
These programmes will include sports competitions, cultural events, meditation sessions, creative activities, youth engagement programmes, and community participation.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that these regular activities would inspire more people to take the pledge against drugs and strengthen the movement across villages, towns, and cities.
Youth urged to become ambassadors of change
Modi congratulated millions of young people who participated in the anti-drug pledge and encouraged them to spread the message among friends, classmates, and communities.
He described India’s youth as the country’s “Amrit Generation” and said their energy and innovation will shape the nation’s future.
The Prime Minister urged every participant to become an ambassador for a drug-free society by encouraging awareness and supporting those vulnerable to addiction.
Families and society play a vital role
Highlighting the role of parents and communities, Modi said preventing addiction requires open communication within families.
He encouraged parents to observe behavioural changes in children and seek timely medical and professional assistance whenever necessary instead of worrying about social stigma.
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The Prime Minister stressed that addiction should be treated as a challenge requiring compassion and rehabilitation rather than rejection.
He also praised rehabilitation centres, yoga, meditation, counselling, and community support systems for helping people rebuild their lives.
Respect for those overcoming addiction
Addressing the issue of social acceptance, Modi appealed to society to support individuals who successfully overcome addiction.
He said people recovering from substance abuse deserve encouragement rather than discrimination.
Describing such individuals as courageous fighters, the Prime Minister said their determination to rebuild their lives should inspire others facing similar struggles.
Strong action against drug networks
The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to combat narcotics trafficking across the country.
He said law enforcement agencies have intensified operations against drug smugglers, resulting in major seizures worth thousands of crores and a significant increase in arrests of those involved in illegal drug networks.
According to Modi, strict enforcement against traffickers must go hand in hand with awareness campaigns to eliminate drug abuse from society.
National resolve for a stronger India
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting young Indians in the fight against addiction.
He expressed confidence that India’s youth would lead the country towards a healthier and stronger future by rejecting drugs and embracing positive values.
Calling the campaign a national movement rather than a government programme, Modi urged every citizen to participate in building a society where young people can achieve their full potential without the burden of addiction.
With the launch of the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, the government aims to transform awareness into sustained public participation, making the dream of a Drug-Free Bharat an essential pillar in India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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