Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 2 August addressed thousands of young people virtually at the 'Nasha-Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' special assembly held at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, urging the youth to commit to an addiction-free way of life. The event drew thousands of young men and women from the national capital and surrounding regions, and was simultaneously organised at BAPS centres across India.

Key Developments

The programme brought together MY Bharat volunteers, NSS volunteers, and students from schools, colleges, and educational institutions, along with representatives from more than 125 spiritual institutions. Participation was recorded from over 10,000 locations across the country, making it one of the largest youth-focused de-addiction assemblies organised by the spiritual organisation.

Before Prime Minister Modi's virtual address, Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami, a senior sadhu of BAPS, set the tone for the gathering. 'Bhagwan Swaminarayan has commanded us to live a life free from addictions. Only one who is free from addictions can become a true Satsangi,' he said. He further noted that Modi's participation in the campaign was an inspiration for all to come forward with 'enthusiasm and devotion.'

BAPS's Decades-Long De-Addiction Mission

According to a statement by BAPS, the organisation's de-addiction mission stretches back to the era of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, during which more than 3,000 sants and Paramhansas travelled village to village promoting addiction-free living. Under the late Pramukh Swami ji Maharaj, more than five million people — including farmers, tribal community members, businessmen, and public figures — were reportedly inspired to give up addictions.

In 1997, BAPS organised de-addiction camps across villages and towns in Gujarat, running mobile exhibitions to spread awareness. By 2000, around 2,500 groups of children aged 9 to 14 visited homes across Gujarat, Mumbai, Kolkata, and several other states, resulting in lakhs of written pledges to give up gutka, drugs, smoking, and alcohol.

In 2007, approximately 23,000 children and youth reached out to 2.1 million people nationwide, of whom 6,30,000 pledged to give up addictions. Former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam met BAPS volunteers at Rashtrapati Bhavan and felicitated them for their service.

In 2022, during the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations and the birth centenary of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS youth once again led nationwide de-addiction outreach, inspiring lakhs to adopt substance-free lifestyles.

Current Leadership and Outlook

'Today, under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, countless individuals have transformed their lives by embracing an addiction-free lifestyle,' BAPS said in its statement. The organisation indicated it will continue expanding this mission in alignment with the Centre's broader Viksit Bharat vision. With government backing and a pan-India spiritual network, the campaign is poised to deepen its outreach in the months ahead.