MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme (NSS) marked the start of the second month of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat 100 Week Sankalp Abhiyan with nationwide yoga, self-defence and community awareness activities on October 16.
The observance of “Yoga evam Aatm-Suraksha Diwas”, or Yoga and Self-Defence Day, drew 91,179 participants across 183 educational institutions, NSS units and adopted villages, according to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The campaign, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, entered its second month under the theme “Fit Youth, Addiction-Free Youth (Shakti evam Seva)”. It focuses on physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline and self-confidence as foundations for an addiction-free society.
The fifth-week activities included 332 yoga sessions involving 34,290 participants, including 19,882 women. Another 311 self-defence demonstrations reached 31,507 participants, including 18,364 women, while 180 community awareness activities engaged 25,391 people.
Yoga sessions incorporated the Common Yoga Protocol and relaxation techniques, emphasising physical well-being and stress management. Self-defence demonstrations covered practical safety techniques, situational awareness and personal security, particularly for young women.
Local leaders, police officials, sports authorities, medical experts and certified yoga instructors participated in the activities to promote healthy lifestyles and awareness of substance abuse.
Women accounted for 57.1% of overall participation. Regional directorates including Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna and Trivandrum recorded notable female engagement.
Partner organisations supporting the initiative included Anuvrat Vishva Bharati Society, BAPS, Bharat Scouts & Guides and MY Bharat Kendras.
The observance also generated 4,197 organic social media posts under the hashtag #NashaMuktYuva.
The Ministry said combining yoga, self-defence and community awareness highlighted the role of fitness, mental well-being and personal resilience in preventing substance abuse. MY Bharat and NSS are continuing to mobilise young people and communities through the 100-week campaign, guided by the NSS motto, “Not Me, But You.”
