Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, calling on India’s youth to take a pledge against substance abuse and help build a drug-free nation. Launching the campaign virtually before a large gathering of young people, including members of Gen Z, Modi said a developed India needs young citizens who are physically and mentally healthy. The nationwide campaign will run for 100 weeks, with weekly activities aimed at spreading awareness about the dangers of drug addiction.
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PM MODI’S MESSAGE TO YOUTH
Addressing the gathering, Modi warned that while drugs may provide a temporary “high”, they ultimately damage a person’s future.
“Drugs can give you a high for some time, but it makes your entire career and personal life low,” he said.
He urged young people to stay away from addiction and become role models who encourage others to make healthy choices.
‘DRUGS ARE USED TO TARGET THE YOUTH’
The Prime Minister said hostile countries use drug trafficking as part of their strategy because they know that young people are India’s future.
He also stressed that people recovering from addiction should not face social stigma.
“Society should respect them, embrace them and give them a second chance,” he said, adding that overcoming addiction requires family support, community acceptance, yoga, meditation and professional help.
100-WEEK NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN
The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan will continue for the next 100 weeks.
Every Sunday, activities such as sports events, walkathons, meditation sessions, cultural programmes, street plays, discussion forums, art competitions and community outreach programmes will be organised to spread awareness about substance abuse.
“The coming 100 Sundays will mark 100 strong steps towards a drug-free India,” Modi said.
FAMILIES URGED TO SEEK HELP
The Prime Minister said addiction affects not only the individual but also the entire family, taking away their happiness and peace of mind.
He appealed to parents not to hide a child’s addiction because of social pressure and instead seek medical and expert support at the earliest.
Modi also said the government is taking strict action against drug traffickers, with arrests increasing and narcotics worth thousands of crores of rupees being seized across the country.
CAMPAIGN BUILDS ON 2020 INITIATIVE
At the launch, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, launched in 2020, laid the foundation for the country’s anti-drug movement.
The new campaign aims to combine public participation, weekly community activities and family support to spread the message of de-addiction and encourage more young people to stay away from substance abuse.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
