PM Modi issues warning to India's youth: Stay away from drugs

He made the remarks while launching the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', a nationwide campaign aimed at preventing substance abuse among young people.

Highlighting the broader significance of the initiative, Modi said the campaign is not only about individual well-being but also about strengthening families, society and the nation.

"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.

Reflecting on the campaign's origins, the Prime Minister said he was pleased that the initiative began as a pilot project in the holy city of Kashi last year.

He said the movement, driven by scientific awareness, spiritual values and cultural commitment, has now expanded into a nationwide programme.

"Supported by over 125 spiritual organizations and numerous NGOs under the Kashi Declaration, that welfare-driven idea has now successfully become a national project," he said.

Modi praised millions of young people who have taken the anti-drug pledge, committing not only to remain free from addiction but also to spread awareness in schools, colleges and their communities.

Outlining the campaign's 100-week roadmap, he said every Sunday will feature activities centred on art, culture, sports and meditation to encourage greater youth participation.

"The coming 100 Sundays will absolutely become 100 strong steps in the direction of a completely drug-free India," he said.

Addressing students, National Service Scheme (NSS) members and My Bharat volunteers virtually, Modi described India's youth as the country's "Amrit generation" and said their energy, innovation and talent would be crucial in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.

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

Contrasting the achievements of young Indians in startups, artificial intelligence, sports and space exploration with the destructive impact of drug abuse, Modi warned that addiction destroys focus, careers and aspirations while causing immense suffering 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 deceptive appeal of narcotics, Modi said the temporary high offered by drugs ultimately leads to long-term damage to careers and family life.

Drawing on India's spiritual traditions, including teachings from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, he stressed that intoxicants have never enjoyed social acceptance in Indian culture.

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

The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of family support, yoga, meditation and modern rehabilitation centres in helping people overcome addiction. He urged parents to seek medical treatment for affected children without worrying about social stigma and called for open communication within families.

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

Appealing to educators, Modi urged college and university professors to incorporate discussions on drug abuse into academic life and lead anti-addiction campaigns on campuses.

He also called for compassion towards people recovering from addiction, saying they deserve respect and a second chance rather than social stigma.

"The youth who come out fighting addiction are not weak; they are real warriors whose incredible courage is their true identity," he said.

Concluding his address, Modi assured the youth that the government stands firmly with them in the fight against narcotics. He cited nationwide crackdowns, large drug seizures and increased arrests of traffickers and smugglers as evidence of the government's commitment.

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