Prime Minister Launches Nationwide Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan Initiative

Why in the News ?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 100-week ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, a nationwide campaign to promote a drug-free youth population, strengthen public awareness against substance abuse, and support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Key Features of ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’

• The Prime Minister launched the 100-week ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ through a nationwide virtual event involving over one crore youth from 28,000+ locations across the country.
• The campaign seeks to build a drug-free, healthy, and empowered youth population, recognizing young people as the “Amrit Generation” that will shape the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• It emphasizes that physical fitness, mental well-being, and freedom from substance abuse are essential for achieving inclusive national development.
• The initiative, which began as a pilot project in Kashi (Varanasi), has now been expanded into a nationwide movement.
• The campaign adopts a whole-of-society approach, encouraging the participation of educational institutions, families, community organizations, and civil society.

Implementation Strategy and Significance

• The campaign will run for 100 weeks, with dedicated activities every Sunday to engage youth in constructive and healthy pursuits.
• Activities will include:

○   Sports and physical fitness

○   Yoga and meditation

○   Art and cultural programmes

○   Awareness campaigns

○   Community participation

• The initiative promotes a preventive approach by encouraging positive lifestyle choices, while also highlighting the importance of modern rehabilitation centres, counselling, and social support for individuals recovering from addiction.
• The campaign aims to reduce the social, economic, and health impacts of drug abuse, while fostering responsible citizenship and nation-building.
• It aligns with the broader objective of creating a healthy, productive, and skilled workforce capable of contributing to India’s long-term development.