By: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
Today, India has one of the largest youth populations in the world and it is often said that if a nation aspires to progress and become developed, its youth must be empowered. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised that if India is to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, our Yuva Shakti must be empowered and actively engaged in the process of nation-building. Their energy, innovation, and determination will shape the country’s growth story in the decades to come.
However, one of the most pressing challenges facing the nation today is keeping our youth away from the grip of substance abuse. An increasing number of young individuals are falling into addiction, which not only affects their health but also threatens their future, and the strength of the nation. According to a study, 1 in every 5 Indians aged between 10 and 24 has used drugs at some point. A report by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) further reveals that over 8.5 lakh children in India are struggling with drug addiction. These figures are deeply alarming and call for urgent, collective action.
Over the past 11 years, Modi Government has taken several decisive steps to combat this issue. In 2020, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. To support prevention and rehabilitation, the government established Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) and Outreach-cum-Drop-In Centres (ODICs). Schools and colleges have seen intensified awareness campaigns, while the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has launched strong operations against drug mafias. Additionally, Health and Wellness Centres across the country are providing critical counselling and support. These national efforts have been complemented by grassroots campaigns led by state governments, NGOs, and local communities.
Taking this mission forward, MY Bharat has taken a significant initiative, the “Yuva Spiritual Summit”, to be held from 19 to 20 July on the sacred ghats of Kashi, the land of Baba Vishwanath. Themed “Drug-Free Youth for a Viksit Bharat,” the summit seeks to lay the foundation for a youth-led national movement against substance abuse.
The summit will bring together youth representatives from over 100 spiritual organisations across India. Key government bodies, including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Culture, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and others will actively participate. This unique platform will enable young people to share their voices, perspectives, and solutions directly with policymakers, contributing meaningfully to a national strategy.
The summit will feature sessions on the nature and patterns of addiction, its demographic impact, international dimensions, and the roles of government, civil society, and youth volunteers. Personal stories of young individuals who have successfully overcome addiction will also be shared to inspire others.
The summit will conclude with the release of the Kashi Declaration, which will serve as a five-year roadmap for the drug-free India campaign. This declaration will outline strategies to prevent youth from falling into substance abuse, provide support mechanisms for those already affected, and accelerate awareness campaigns across the country to build a stronger, more resilient movement against addiction.
Prime Minister Modi has always envisioned an India that reflects the dreams and aspirations of the Amrit Peedhi. In alignment with that vision, this initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports stands as a powerful step toward not only protecting young lives from addiction but also empowering them to lead the nation-building journey.
The responsibility of transforming India into a developed nation rests with its youth. The Yuva Spiritual Summit is not just an event—it marks the beginning of a new national awakening. It will ignite a spirit of discipline, moral integrity, and social responsibility among young citizens, enriching their lives and strengthening the country’s future.
From the sacred soil of Kashi will rise a call that will light a flame of awareness, patriotism, and purpose in every young heart. This collective resolve will serve as the cornerstone of a strong, self-reliant, and Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Courtesy PIB Srinagar
The writer is Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment
