Signalling a renewed focus on India's young population, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', a 100-week nationwide campaign aimed at tackling drug abuse among youth. The initiative comes at a time when the Centre has increasingly been addressing issues directly affecting young Indians, from employment and entrepreneurship to mental health, skill development and now substance abuse.
India's youth: Country's "greatest strength”
Launching the campaign, PM Modi described India's youth as the country's "greatest strength " and said safeguarding them from drug addiction is essential to achieving the vision of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat. He urged students, parents, teachers and educational institutions to transform the fight against drugs into a nationwide people's movement.
Government’s growing concerns
The campaign reflects the government's growing emphasis on engaging with concerns that resonate strongly with the younger generation. In recent months, the Prime Minister has repeatedly highlighted issues such as innovation, start-ups, sports, education and technology while encouraging youth participation in nation-building. The latest initiative adds substance abuse prevention to that agenda.
PM’s address on the issue
During his address, Modi warned that drug addiction not only destroys individual lives but also weakens families and society. He said narcotics trafficking is often linked to organised crime and anti-national activities, asserting that the government would continue its aggressive crackdown on drug syndicates operating across the country.
"There will be no compromise in the fight against drugs," the Prime Minister said, while calling upon law enforcement agencies to intensify action against traffickers and urging citizens to support the campaign by spreading awareness within their communities.
Appeal to parents and teachers
The Prime Minister also appealed to parents and teachers to openly discuss addiction with young people instead of treating it as a social taboo. Stressing that addiction should be addressed through timely counselling, rehabilitation and support, he said early intervention can prevent countless lives from being derailed.
Focus of the campaign
The 100-week campaign will focus on awareness drives, educational programmes, community outreach and rehabilitation efforts across schools, colleges and youth organisations. The government hopes sustained public participation will help reduce substance abuse while encouraging healthier lifestyles among young Indians.
POV of the political observers
Political observers view the campaign as part of the Centre's broader effort to engage more directly with the aspirations and challenges of India's youth. By placing young people at the centre of policy messaging, the government is seeking to combine social awareness with stricter enforcement against drug trafficking, reinforcing the message that empowering the next generation is key to India's long-term development.
