Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, a nationwide campaign aimed at mobilising young people against substance abuse, and called upon every citizen to join the movement to build a drug-free India.
Addressing more than one crore youth connected through a nationwide video conference from over 28,000 locations, the Prime Minister said the campaign was not only about individual well-being but also about the welfare of families, society and the nation. He said achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat required a physically fit, mentally strong and self-confident young generation that remained free from drugs and other destructive habits.
“Today, as the nation has set the goal of a Viksit Bharat, it is imperative that the country’s youth remain physically and mentally fit, brimming with self-confidence, and permanently steer clear of destructive habits like drugs,” the Prime Minister said.
Recalling that the initiative began as a pilot project in Kashi last year, PM Modi said the campaign had now evolved into a national movement with the support of more than 125 spiritual organisations and several non-governmental organisations under the Kashi Declaration.
He said the campaign would run for 100 weeks, with dedicated activities every Sunday, including sports events, cultural programmes, meditation sessions and awareness initiatives to encourage greater public participation. According to the Prime Minister, the coming 100 Sundays would become “100 strong steps” towards building a completely drug-free India.
Congratulating millions of young people who have taken the anti-drug pledge, PM Modi urged them to spread the message of a drug-free life in their schools, colleges and communities. He described the country’s youth as the “Amrit generation” and said their energy, innovation and talent would play a crucial role in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.
The Prime Minister cautioned that substance abuse destroys careers, weakens families and ultimately harms the nation’s progress. While acknowledging the achievements of Indian youth in fields such as startups, artificial intelligence, sports and space, he warned that addiction could derail their aspirations and potential.
Emphasising that addiction should never receive social acceptance, PM Modi referred to India’s cultural and spiritual traditions, saying they have consistently discouraged intoxicants. He urged society to protect every young person from falling into the trap of substance abuse.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of rehabilitation and community support, saying that yoga, meditation, family support and rehabilitation centres could help individuals recover from addiction. He urged parents not to conceal addiction due to concerns about social prestige and instead seek timely medical assistance.
“We must always remember, if a child in the house falls victim to addiction, do not hide it under the guise of social prestige. Seek help from whoever is needed and try to free your child from addiction with medical help,” he said.
Calling for open communication within families, PM Modi said parents should maintain a supportive relationship with their children to prevent them from falling into substance abuse.
The Prime Minister also appealed to professors and educators in colleges and universities to discuss the dangers of drug abuse alongside regular academic coursework and lead anti-drug campaigns on campuses. He said such efforts could play a significant role in protecting young people from addiction.
He further urged society to support and respect those who successfully overcome addiction, describing them as individuals who display courage and resilience rather than weakness.
Concluding his address, PM Modi assured the youth that the government would continue its nationwide crackdown against drug traffickers and smugglers. Referring to large-scale drug seizures and enforcement actions across the country, he expressed confidence that India’s youth would stay away from addiction and lead the nation towards the goal of Viksit Bharat.
