PM Modi launches 'Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan', says drug-free youth essential for a developed India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', a nationwide 100-week campaign aimed at combating substance abuse and encouraging young people to play an active role in building a drug-free India.
Addressing the launch event through video conferencing, the Prime Minister emphasised that a healthy, confident and empowered younger generation is vital for transforming India into a developed nation.
"Today, when the country has set the goal of becoming a developed India, it is essential that our youth remain physically healthy, mentally strong, full of self-confidence and always stay away from the deadly habit of drugs," Modi said.
Highlighting the need for collective action, the Prime Minister said that the fight against substance abuse requires the combined efforts of the government, society and families. He noted that practices such as yoga, meditation and community support can play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome addiction.
"The support of society and the power of yoga and meditation give inner strength to fight addiction. Today, we also have facilities like rehabilitation centres to help people quit drugs," he said.
Modi stressed the importance of protecting young people from falling into the trap of addiction while also extending support and guidance to those already struggling with substance abuse.
"We must save every young person from getting trapped in addiction. But if a young person has unfortunately fallen into drugs, it does not mean that all doors have been closed for him or her," the Prime Minister said.
He also urged families to seek timely treatment rather than concealing cases of addiction due to social stigma.
Prime Minister @narendramodi says, "This is the objective of this campaign. Therefore, all of us must take a pledge that our youth understand the dangers of addiction and drugs, remain aware in every way, and stay away from them. In this resolve, the National Nasha Mukt Yuva… pic.twitter.com/CcUJK2Jrpz
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) August 2, 2026
"We should never conceal the fact if a child in the family has become a victim of drug addiction in the name of social reputation. Seek the help that is needed. Take medical assistance and make every effort to free your child from addiction," he said.
The Prime Minister further underlined the importance of maintaining open communication between parents and children to prevent youngsters from turning to drugs.
"We must build a culture of open dialogue with children in our families so that we can hold their hand before they get caught in such a vicious cycle," he added.
Making a special appeal to teachers and educational institutions, Modi encouraged colleges and universities to actively promote awareness campaigns against substance abuse.
"I also want to make an appeal to professors in our colleges and universities. Along with teaching the curriculum, talk to students about the dangers of drugs. Start a movement against substance abuse on your campuses. Your efforts can bring about significant results," he said.
The Prime Minister described the campaign as a mass movement designed to bring about lasting social change and called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to participate actively.
Under the initiative, awareness programmes and community activities will be organised every Sunday for the next 100 weeks. The campaign will include sports competitions, walkathons, meditation sessions, cultural events, awareness drives, street plays, discussions, art competitions and outreach programmes.
According to the government, the initiative seeks to strengthen public participation by bringing together schools, colleges, universities, youth organisations, civil society groups, industry bodies and spiritual institutions on a common platform to create a sustained movement against drug abuse.
More than 10,000 locations across the country participated in the launch event. Volunteers associated with MY Bharat, the National Service Scheme (NSS), youth organisations, educational institutions, non-governmental organisations and more than 125 spiritual organisations joined the programme virtually.
The government said the campaign represents a nationwide effort to protect India's youth from the dangers of substance abuse while inspiring them to become agents of positive change. ALSO READ: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lets off Abusive Gen Z students
