The Central Government has launched a major national movement titled ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’, a youth-led initiative aimed at creating a drug-free India and empowering the nation’s youth to become agents of change. The initiative was formally unveiled during the recently concluded Youth Spiritual Summit held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step in mobilising young citizens against substance abuse.
Organised under the MY Bharat initiative by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the two-day summit was held at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, who emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and breaking the cycle of drug addiction.
The summit’s theme, “Drug-Free Youth for a Viksit Bharat,” underscored the urgent need to engage young people in a national mission to combat drug addiction and promote holistic well-being. The event brought together youth leaders, spiritual mentors, social workers, and policymakers from across the country to share insights, experiences, and solutions.
A key outcome of the summit was the adoption of the ‘Kashi Declaration’, a visionary roadmap that outlines a range of community-driven and institutional initiatives to be rolled out nationwide. These include awareness campaigns, rehabilitation support, youth counselling services, and school and college-based outreach programs—all designed to mobilize the youth in the fight against drugs.
The ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’ movement aims to build a mass volunteer network of young people committed to promoting healthy lifestyles, mental wellness, and spiritual strength, while working to eliminate the social stigma associated with drug addiction.
The summit also highlighted the potential of spiritual values and mental health awareness in countering addiction, focusing on inner strength, purpose, and resilience. With the Kashi Declaration as a guiding document, the movement is set to expand its reach to every district in India, leveraging digital platforms, educational institutions, and grassroots organizations.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to harnessing the energy of youth for nation-building, and positions the country on a transformative path toward a drug-free, empowered, and developed India.
