Bibhudutta Pradhan / NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the country’s youth to take an active role in the fight against drug abuse, highlighting the ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan’ as a nationwide movement led by young people themselves.
Addressing the nation in the 138th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday, PM Modi said millions of young people had recently taken a resolve to stay away from drugs and to spread awareness about the dangers of substance abuse among others.
The ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan’ will run for 100 weeks and involves volunteers from MY Bharat, members of the National Service Scheme (NSS), schools, colleges and universities, as well as several social and spiritual organisations.
PM Modi said thousands of pledge ceremonies and awareness programmes had been organised across the country in recent days. He particularly appreciated the campaign’s focus on ‘Nasha-Mukti Ka Sandesh’, noting that young people were communicating the message in their own language and through their own creative approaches.
Recalling his earlier appeal on ‘Mann Ki Baat’ for young people to use their creativity to contribute to the campaign, the Prime Minister said he was pleased by the response from the youth.
Various competitions, including anthem and slogan-writing contests and street plays, have been organised through the MY Bharat platform. Young people are also creating and sharing content on social media using the hashtag #NashaMuktYuva.
“In essence, the message, the medium, and the driving energy behind it all come from the youth themselves,” PM Modi said.
He added that the campaign would also include activities such as health check-ups and meditation camps in the coming days.
Calling for wider community participation during the upcoming festive season, PM Modi urged people to remain attentive to young people who may be vulnerable to addiction and to support those attempting to overcome it.
“Let us also look around us. If any young person is drifting towards a harmful habit, talk to them. If someone is trying to break free from addiction, support them,” the Prime Minister said.
He called for collective efforts to strengthen the resolve of young people to remain free from drugs and linked the campaign to the broader national objective of building a Viksit Bharat.
“Let us all work together to advance the resolve of a drug-free youth and a Viksit Bharat,” PM Modi said.