Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, a nationwide initiative focused on preventing substance abuse among young people and promoting a healthier, stronger India. The programme marks the beginning of a 100-week public awareness campaign, with activities scheduled every Sunday across the country.
The initiative aims to encourage youth participation while building greater awareness about the harmful effects of drugs through community-driven events and public engagement.
Youth Must Stay Healthy to Build a Developed India
Addressing the launch virtually, the Prime Minister said that India’s ambition of becoming a developed nation depends largely on its young population. He stressed that physical fitness, mental well-being and self-confidence are essential for achieving that goal, and these qualities cannot thrive alongside drug addiction.
He urged young citizens to reject substance abuse, saying addiction may provide temporary satisfaction but often damages education, careers, relationships and future opportunities.
Campaign Targets Families and Communities Too
PM Modi said the movement is not limited to young people alone. According to him, families, educational institutions, local communities and social organisations all have an important role in preventing addiction and supporting those affected by it.
He also encouraged parents to communicate openly with children facing addiction instead of hiding the issue because of social pressure. Seeking professional medical care and counselling, he said, is the right approach toward recovery.
Recovering Addicts Deserve Support, Not Stigma
During his address, the Prime Minister appealed to society to treat people recovering from addiction with dignity and compassion.
He noted that individuals who overcome substance abuse demonstrate courage and determination, and they should receive encouragement instead of discrimination as they rebuild their lives.
Government Intensifies Fight Against Drug Networks
Highlighting the government’s efforts against narcotics, PM Modi said security agencies have stepped up action against drug traffickers in recent years. He stated that authorities have made a large number of arrests and seized illegal drugs worth thousands of crores, reflecting the government’s commitment to tackling the drug menace.
He also said drug trafficking poses a serious threat to the country’s future and must be addressed through both strict law enforcement and public awareness.
What the 100-Week Campaign Will Include
The campaign will continue for the next 100 Sundays, bringing together citizens through various awareness and wellness programmes.
Planned activities include:
- Sports and fitness events
- Yoga and meditation sessions
- Walkathons and awareness rallies
- Cultural performances
- Street plays
- Art and poster competitions
- Community discussions
- Volunteer-driven awareness campaigns
The objective is to inspire young people to adopt healthy lifestyles while encouraging communities to actively participate in creating a drug-free environment.
Building on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Mission
The latest initiative expands the government’s broader anti-drug efforts under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, launched in 2020.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, who attended the launch, said the campaign seeks to empower India’s youth to become ambassadors of positive change and contribute towards building a healthier nation.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi urged every citizen to contribute to the movement against drug abuse. He said creating a drug-free India requires collective effort from families, schools, communities and government institutions.
With the launch of the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan, the government hopes to strengthen public participation and inspire millions of young Indians to choose a healthier path while contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
