Nasha Mukt Walkathon in Hyderabad rallies youth against drug abuse
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Hundreds of young participants took to the streets of Hyderabad on Sunday, 4 October 2026, for the Nasha Mukt Yuva Walkathon, a mass awareness drive organised by MY Bharat, Telangana in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The event aimed to mobilise youth against substance abuse and reinforce a collective commitment to a drug-free society.
Route and Key Moments
The walkathon commenced at the iconic Charminar and concluded at Government City College, covering a symbolically significant stretch through the heart of the city. Rajya Sabha Member K. Laxman flagged off the march, lending political weight to the anti-drug message. The event wrapped up with the singing of the National Anthem, reaffirming participants' commitment to a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
What Leaders Said
MP K. Laxman underscored the importance of building a drug-free India, urging young people to stay away from narcotics and other substances. He stressed that a healthy, drug-free youth population is indispensable to realising the Viksit Bharat by 2047 vision. Laxman also noted that substance abuse carries a wider societal cost, affecting not just individuals but their families and communities.
Anvesh Chinthala, State Director of MY Bharat, called on young people to adopt healthy lifestyles, build positive habits, and actively participate in building a responsible, drug-free nation. Vishal V. R., Assistant Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Hyderabad, emphasised the critical role of youth awareness and collective action in curbing substance abuse, encouraging young attendees to make informed and responsible choices.
Broader Significance
The event reflects a sustained push by the Centre to leverage youth-focused civic platforms in the fight against drug abuse. MY Bharat — the government's flagship youth engagement programme — has increasingly anchored such awareness initiatives across states. This comes amid growing concern over substance abuse among young Indians, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, where peer pressure and accessibility remain persistent challenges.
What Comes Next
MY Bharat, Telangana has reiterated its commitment to expanding community-based awareness drives in the months ahead, with further youth-led initiatives planned across the state. Organisers hope that events like the Nasha Mukt Yuva Walkathon will build sustained behavioural change rather than one-off symbolic gestures.