PM Modi’s Drug-Free India Drive

It is disheartening to know that India faces a growing substance abuse challenge, with 16 crore Indians (14.6%) consuming alcohol and 3.1 crore people using cannabis (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
National Centre for Drug Abuse Prevention

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).

Among adolescents aged 10-19 years, 1.8% reported opioid use, 1.17% inhalant use, and 0.9% cannabis use, highlighting the need for youth-focused drug prevention initiatives (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Understanding the epidemiology of substance use in India: A review of nationwide surveys

Go to source

).

To tackle these obstacles, PM Modi has launched this new initiative on 02 August 2026, via videoconference, to enlighten the youth of India to grow together as a healthy and progressive nation.

Inside PM Modi’s 100-Week Plan to Build a Drug-Free India

The Nasha Mukt Yuva Campaign is a 100-week nationwide anti-drug initiative launched to address the growing challenge of substance abuse among India’s youth.

The primary aim of the campaign is to prevent drug addiction, increase awareness about the harmful effects of substance use, and encourage young people to make healthier choices.

The anti-drug campaign focuses on transforming the fight against drugs into a people’s movement (Jan Andolan) by involving youth, schools, colleges, families, communities, and local organizations.

It promotes early prevention, awareness programs, counselling support, and community participation to help individuals stay away from addiction and seek help when needed.

Aligned with the vision of Nasha Mukt Bharat and Viksit Bharat, the initiative aims to create a healthier future by empowering young Indians with knowledge, confidence, and support to build a drug-free generation.

“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 ji confidently conversed.

What is the Nasha Mukt Yuva Campaign?

• Launch: PM Modi launched it via video conference, connecting with over one crore youth from more than 28,000 locations across the country.
• Duration and format: It’s a 100-week campaign, running as a “Jan Bhagidari” (public participation) initiative, with dedicated activities held every Sunday connected to art, culture, sports, meditation, yoga, conducting walk-athons, Nukkad nataks or street plays, spirituality, and social service, including community discussions and awareness drives.
• Origins: The campaign began as a pilot project in Varanasi (Kashi) last year and has now been expanded into a national program, with a roadmap prepared through what’s called the “Kashi Declaration.” Over 125 spiritual organizations and NGOs support the initiative.
• Goal: Modi framed it as 100 strong steps towards a drug-free India, tying it to the larger vision of a stronger, developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
• Government action alongside it: Modi noted that strict action is being taken against drug traffickers, with arrests up significantly and drugs worth thousands of crores seized.
• Focus on youth: Referring to young people as India’s “Amrit Peedhi,” Modi said they will shape the country’s future over the next 20-25 years and lead it toward the Viksit Bharat goal by 2047.
• Support without stigma: Modi urged families to seek help for addiction without stigma and pointed to the availability of rehabilitation centers, noting addiction affects not just the individual but destroys dreams, families, and the emotional well-being of those around them.

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, and 26 governors of states and chief ministers of 11 states, MY Bharat volunteers, National Service Scheme members, schools, colleges, universities, NGOs, and industry associations also joined the nationwide movement.

The movement drew participation from leaders across the political spectrum, reflecting its scale as a truly nationwide effort.

From Awareness to Action: How the Anti-Drug Campaign Aims to Protect Young Minds

The Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyaan aims to turn drug awareness into action by educating youth about the risks of substance abuse and encouraging prevention.

Through awareness drives, community involvement, and youth-focused programs, the campaign seeks to protect young minds and support India’s goal of becoming drug-free.

A drug-free youth is the greatest strength of Viksit Bharat. This campaign should reach every village, every town, and every city through Jan Bhagidari, PM Modi confidently addressed.

Drugs destroy dreams; awareness rebuilds futures.

A nation’s future is shaped by the choices of its youth. Protecting young minds today builds a healthier India tomorrow.

Substance abuse is a growing concern among India’s youth, affecting physical health, mental well-being, education, and future prospects.

With millions impacted by alcohol, cannabis, and opioid use, initiatives like the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyaan aim to promote awareness, prevention, and a healthier, drug-free India.

References:

1. National Centre for Drug Abuse Prevention – (https://nisd.gov.in/drug_abuse_prevention.html)
2. Understanding the epidemiology of substance use in India: A review of nationwide surveys – (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10309258/)

Source-Medindia