New Delhi, Aug. 2: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid out a national vision for building a drug-free youth population as the foundation of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India). Stressing the need for sustained action and community participation to combat drug abuse, he said today’s youth would eventually enjoy the fruits of a developed India.

After launching the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan (Drug-Free Youth for Developed India Pledge Campaign), Modi said that as India has set the goal of becoming a developed country, it was essential for the youth to remain physically and mentally fit, and therefore stay away from drug abuse.

Supported by more than 125 spiritual and public organisations, educational institutions, and industrial associations, the programme was conducted at over 28,000 locations across the country and saw participation from over one crore youth, besides several Chief Ministers and Governors. Before the Prime Minister’s address, the participating youth pledged to make India drugs-free.

Modi said the initiative required collective action. “The pledge taken today will continue over the next 100 weeks. Every Sunday, activities related to art, culture, sports, meditation, spirituality, and service will be organised. The message of a drug-free life will reach more and more people,” he said.

“Over the next 20 to 25 years, you will shape your own lives, and by 2047, it is you who will lead India to the goal of becoming a developed country. You will be the ones enjoying the fruits of that achievement,” he said, addressing the youth.

Noting that young people were today excelling in startups, leading the field of Artificial Intelligence, setting new milestones in sports, science and space, he said the country needed their energy, imagination, and talent.

“That is why it is essential that you remain free from drugs, for both your own future and for the country… when a young person falls into drug addiction, it is not only that individual who loses. A dream dies before it can be fulfilled. An entire family suffers and often falls apart,” said Modi.

“When this happens in families and society, the strength of the country is weakened as well. That is why hostile countries also conspire to lure our youth into drug addiction. Profiting from drug trafficking while weakening our country is part of their malicious agenda. Therefore, we must protect every young person from falling into the trap,” he said.

Modi urged people not to hide cases of addiction and to seek professional help for young people struggling with substance abuse, pointing out that rehabilitation centres have been established to aid their recovery. “Someone who defeats addiction is a true warrior. Society should respect them and give them a second chance. A person’s past with drugs should never define their identity; their courage should,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the government had been taking stringent action against drug traffickers and dealers. “Compared with previous years, arrests have increased significantly. Drugs worth thousands of crores have been seized. This shows how seriously our government is tackling this issue,” he said, expressing confidence that the Union and the State governments would continue the mission with full commitment.-Agencies