New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, a nationwide 100-week campaign aimed at eliminating substance abuse and encouraging greater public participation in building a drug-free India. Calling upon citizens, particularly the youth, to join the movement, the Prime Minister said a healthy and addiction-free young generation is essential for achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Addressing the launch event, the Prime Minister said that as India moves towards its goal of becoming a developed nation, it is crucial for the country’s youth to remain physically fit, mentally resilient and full of self-confidence. He stressed that young people must stay away from destructive habits such as drug addiction, which can undermine both individual potential and national progress.
“We must ensure that every young person is protected from the trap of substance abuse,” the Prime Minister said, emphasizing that the fight against addiction requires the active participation of society as a whole.
Highlighting the importance of preventive measures, Modi said the support of families, communities and educational institutions, along with practices such as yoga and meditation, can strengthen individuals from within and help them resist addiction. He also noted that rehabilitation centres and de-addiction facilities are now available to support those seeking to overcome substance dependence.
The Prime Minister urged families not to treat addiction as a matter of social stigma. He said that if a child or young member of the family becomes a victim of substance abuse, parents should seek timely medical assistance instead of concealing the problem out of concern for social reputation.
He also called for stronger communication within families, saying that open dialogue between parents and children can help identify warning signs at an early stage and prevent young people from falling into the cycle of addiction.
Addressing the academic community, Prime Minister Modi appealed to professors and educators in colleges and universities to actively participate in the campaign. He urged them to go beyond classroom teaching by creating awareness about the harmful effects of drugs and encouraging students to reject substance abuse.
The Prime Minister also called upon educational institutions to launch anti-drug awareness movements on their campuses, expressing confidence that sustained efforts by teachers and students could bring about meaningful social change and contribute to building a healthier and stronger India.
The ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ is designed as a long-term nationwide initiative to mobilise communities, educational institutions and public organisations in the fight against substance abuse while promoting a healthier and more productive future for India’s youth.