Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, a nationwide anti-drug campaign aimed at mobilising young people against substance abuse. Addressing a virtual gathering of more than one crore participants connected from over 28,000 locations, he said a healthy, confident and addiction-free youth population is essential to achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.

The Prime Minister outlined a 100-week action plan under which every Sunday will feature activities such as sports, cultural programmes, meditation and awareness campaigns to encourage greater public participation. He also praised millions of young people who took an anti-drug pledge during the launch, calling it a significant national commitment.

Campaign to Focus on 100 Weeks of Public Participation

Speaking via video conference, Modi said the initiative goes beyond promoting individual well-being and is intended to strengthen families, communities and the nation as a whole.

“Today, all of us countrymen have united for a great and important resolution,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the next 100 Sundays would become “100 strong steps in the direction of a completely drug-free India”.

He said the campaign seeks to ensure that India’s youth remain physically fit, mentally resilient and self-confident while avoiding destructive habits. “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,” Modi said.

Initiative Expanded From Kashi Pilot Project

Modi recalled that the campaign began as a pilot initiative in Kashi last year and has since evolved into a nationwide programme.

He said the movement was supported by more than 125 spiritual organisations and several non-governmental organisations under the Kashi Declaration, combining scientific awareness with India’s spiritual and cultural traditions.

Addressing students, National Service Scheme (NSS) members and My Bharat volunteers, the Prime Minister described the country’s youth as the “Amrit generation”, saying their energy, innovation and talent would play a crucial role in India’s development journey.

“For the ultimate future of the country and for your own lives, it is absolutely essential to keep yourselves free from addiction,” he said.

Drug Abuse Destroys Families and National Strength, Says PM

Modi contrasted the achievements of India’s youth in sectors such as startups, artificial intelligence, sports and space with the harmful consequences of drug addiction.

He said substance abuse not only destroys careers and aspirations but also causes lasting distress to families. “When this devastation happens in a family or society, the overall strength of the entire nation also fundamentally weakens,” he said.

Warning against the temporary allure of narcotics, the Prime Minister said addiction ultimately damages careers and family life. Referring to Indian cultural traditions and teachings from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, he stressed that intoxicating substances should never receive social acceptance.

“We must absolutely not give any kind of social acceptance to intoxication under any circumstances,” he said.

Calls for Support, Rehabilitation and Campus Awareness

The Prime Minister urged families to seek timely medical help for those struggling with addiction instead of worrying about social stigma. He also highlighted the role of yoga, meditation, rehabilitation centres and community support in helping people recover.

“If a youth has mistakenly fallen into addiction, it absolutely does not mean that all their paths are permanently closed,” he said.

Modi appealed to professors and educational institutions to incorporate discussions on the dangers of substance abuse into regular academic activities and launch dedicated anti-drug campaigns on campuses.

He also called on society to support and respect people recovering from addiction instead of stigmatising them. “The youth who come out fighting addiction are not weak; they are real warriors whose incredible courage is their true identity,” he said.

Government Vows Continued Crackdown on Drug Networks

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said the government would continue its nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking through large-scale seizures and action against smugglers and dealers.

Expressing confidence in the country’s young people, Modi said they would play a decisive role in making India drug-free while contributing to the goal of building a Viksit Bharat.

“I am confident that our youth will protect their energy by staying free from addiction and will take the resolutions of Viksit Bharat forward,” he said.

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