How Can We Keep Youth Away from Drugs to Achieve Viksit Bharat?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Healthy body and mind are essential for national development.
- Youth engagement in fitness activities promotes well-being.
- The initiative aims to create a drug-free generation.
- Collaboration with educational institutions enhances outreach.
- Mass movements like Sundays on Cycle inspire community involvement.
Varanasi, July 20 (NationPress) Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya stated on Sunday that a healthy body and mind are essential for propelling the nation towards Viksit Bharat, underscoring the importance of steering the youth away from drugs.
While celebrating the conclusion of the 32nd installment of the Fit India Sundays, he joined 3,000 youth in cycling on the serene grounds of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi.
Mandaviya urged the enthusiastic audience at the BHU campus to embrace an active lifestyle, sharing: "A healthy body can only foster a healthy mind, and a healthy mind is crucial for achieving Viksit Bharat."
The cyclists journeyed through the verdant surroundings within the BHU campus, passing notable sites like Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Malviya Bhawan, Birla Hostel, IIT Chauraha, and Vishwanath Temple, before returning to the Amphitheatre Ground.
A large number of participants also engaged in yoga, meditation, and Zumba sessions, turning the event into a grand celebration of fitness, according to an official statement.
This special edition of the nationwide cycling initiative was organized in collaboration with multiple educational institutions, such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), DAV College Management Committee, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, and Bal Bharati Public School.
Mandaviya stated, "Sundays on Cycle has evolved into a jan andolan (mass movement). Today, educational institutions participated in the Nasha-Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign at over 6,000 locations across the country."
He emphasized, "We can achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat only by eliminating addiction among youth. This initiative aims to ensure that the nation’s youth remain fit and healthy, becoming essential contributors to our country’s progress."
During the event, the Union Minister was accompanied by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Uttar Pradesh Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav, MLA from Varanasi North Ravindra Jaiswal, MLA from Pindra Varanasi Awdesh Singh, MLA from Varanasi Cantonment Saurav Srivastava, MLC Dharmendra Singh, MLC Hansraj, Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi S. Rajalingam, and Regional Director of SAI Netaji Subhash Regional Centre, Lucknow, Atma Prakash, among others.