Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for a collective effort to make India drug-free, asking families to join the nationwide Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan. In his Independence Day address, he said substance abuse was emerging as a major challenge for the country’s youth and needed to be tackled together.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said, “Drug addiction is becoming a very big challenge for the country and its youth. Making India drug-free should be a collective responsibility of all of us.” He said a strong and capable young generation was essential for the country’s future.
“For our bright future, our youth generation should be strong, our youth should be capable and should work for the country,” he said.
PM Modi also urged volunteers, NGOs, social and cultural organisations, and spiritual leaders to prepare for the 100-week campaign for a drug-free India.
He said families should also take part in the effort. “I want to tell every family that you too should become a part of this campaign. Join it and come forward to fulfil the dream of a drug-free India,” he said.
On August 2, the Prime Minister launched the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan‘ to encourage young people to stay away from substance abuse. He launched it virtually in the presence of Gen Z attendees, days after a student-led protest seeking reforms in the public examination system took place in Delhi.
The launch marked the start of a 100-week nationwide Jan Bhagidari campaign, under which anti-drug awareness activities will be held every Sunday across the country. These will include sports events, walkathons, meditation sessions, cultural programmes, awareness drives, nukkad nataks, discussion forums, art competitions and community engagement programmes.
The Modi government had launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in 2020, and PM Modi’s appeal on Saturday renewed the call for wider public participation in efforts to keep young people away from drugs.
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Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Aug 15, 2026 10:16 IST
