The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will host a two-day summit in Varanasi this weekend to tackle the growing issue of drug abuse among young people.
Titled ‘Youth Spiritual Summit – Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’, the event will begin on Saturday and bring together more than 500 youth delegates from over 100 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations across the country.
The summit will be attended by several key leaders, including Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Nityanand Rai, and Raksha Nikhil Khadse. Uttar Pradesh ministers Girish Yadav, Asim Arun, and Nitin Agarwal are also expected to take part.
In a statement, the ministry said the summit is part of its broader mission to launch a value-based, youth-led Jan Andolan or people’s movement against drug abuse.
The summit will combine spiritual discussions, cultural programmes, and interactive sessions. Four major plenary sessions will focus on key areas: the psychological and social effects of addiction, breaking the chain of drug supply, running effective awareness campaigns at the grassroots level, and developing a national roadmap for a drug-free India. Youth delegates will also take part in expert talks, whiteboard idea forums, and action-based workshops to share fresh ideas and plans.
The event will conclude on July 20 with the release of the Kashi Declaration, a joint statement by youth and spiritual leaders outlining a collective vision and action plan for a drug-free India.
According to the ministry, the declaration will act as a guide for policymakers, NGOs, and youth networks working in the areas of de-addiction and rehabilitation.
Aligned with the MY Bharat platform, the summit will also kick off a nationwide movement against drug abuse. MY Bharat volunteers and youth clubs will lead awareness drives, pledge campaigns, and community outreach efforts in villages, towns, and cities across India.