| ‘Stay away from drugs, build Viksit Bharat’: PM | | Modi launches national youth campaign | |  Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', a 100-week nationwide campaign aimed at creating a drug-free India by mobilising the country's youth against substance abuse.
Addressing a nationwide virtual gathering of more than one crore young people connected from over 28,000 locations, the Prime Minister said the campaign is a collective national resolve to build a Viksit Bharat by ensuring that India's youth remain physically healthy, mentally strong and free from the menace of drugs.
"Today, as the nation has set the goal of a Viksit Bharat, it is imperative that the country's youth remain physically and mentally fit, brimming with self-confidence, and permanently steer clear of destructive habits like drugs," the Prime Minister said.
Calling upon every citizen to participate in the movement, Modi said protecting the younger generation from drug addiction is a shared responsibility of families, educational institutions and society.
"I urge every citizen, especially our youth, to join this movement. We must protect every young person from falling into the trap of addiction," he said.
The Prime Minister said the campaign goes beyond individual well-being and seeks to strengthen families, society and the nation. During the next 100 Sundays, activities such as sports, cultural programmes, yoga, meditation and awareness campaigns will be organised across the country to encourage greater youth participation.
Recalling that the initiative began as a pilot project in Kashi last year, Modi said it has now evolved into a nationwide movement with the support of more than 125 spiritual organisations, non-governmental organisations and volunteers under the Kashi Declaration.
Highlighting the devastating impact of drug abuse, the Prime Minister said addiction destroys the aspirations of young people, shatters families and weakens the nation.
"Drugs may provide temporary pleasure, but they permanently damage careers, families and the future of our youth," he said, urging society not to normalise or accept substance abuse.
Emphasising that recovery is always possible, Modi said young people struggling with addiction should be treated with compassion rather than stigma.
"Even if a youth has mistakenly fallen into the trap of addiction, it absolutely does not mean that all doors are closed for them," he said.
The Prime Minister urged parents not to conceal addiction due to social stigma and instead seek timely medical intervention and counselling.
"If a child in the family falls victim to addiction, do not hide it for the sake of social prestige. Seek help and ensure proper medical treatment," he said, while also stressing the need for open communication between parents and children to prevent substance abuse.
He also appealed to colleges and universities to actively support the anti-drug campaign by raising awareness among students.
"I appeal to professors and teachers to discuss the dangers of drug abuse alongside regular coursework and lead anti-drug movements on their campuses. Your efforts can make a significant difference," he said.
The Prime Minister said yoga, meditation, community support and rehabilitation centres can play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. He also called for greater respect and acceptance for those who have successfully recovered from substance abuse.
Concluding his address, Modi reiterated the Centre's commitment to combating drug trafficking through stringent enforcement, pointing to intensified nationwide crackdowns, large-scale narcotics seizures and action against drug smugglers.
Expressing confidence in the country's youth, he said they would lead India's march towards becoming a developed nation by staying away from drugs and embracing healthy, productive lives.
"I am confident that our youth will protect their energy by staying free from addiction and will take the resolve of Viksit Bharat forward," the Prime Minister said. |
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