Will the Mega Anti-Drug Summit Engage Youth in Varanasi?

New Delhi, July 18 (NationPress) A ‘Youth Spiritual Summit’ aimed at cultivating a united national commitment against drug abuse is set to commence on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi this Saturday, according to an official announcement.

Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, this two-day event themed ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’ will gather over 500 young delegates from 100 spiritual and socio-cultural organizations nationwide, the official revealed.

Convened on the sacred banks of the Ganga, this Summit aspires to instill a unified national resolve against drug abuse, drawing inspiration from India’s rich spiritual heritage and the energy of its youth.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, stated that this summit will initiate a focused and intensive effort to liberate the youth from the clutches of drug addiction, empowering them to become ‘torchbearers of Amrit Kaal’ while contributing to nation-building.

The Youth Spiritual Summit is part of the Ministry’s extensive mission to launch a value-led, youth-driven Jan Andolan against drug abuse. Designed to be an immersive experience, the Summit will blend introspective discussions with cultural and spiritual activities, according to the statement.

“Four plenary sessions will delve into critical topics: understanding the psychological and social effects of addiction, dismantling the networks of drug supply and trafficking, effective grassroots campaigning and communication strategies, and formulating a roadmap for achieving a Nasha Mukt Bharat,” it stated.

These discussions will be enriched by whiteboard forums, expert keynote speeches, and action workshops, creating space for youth-led ideas and innovations, as mentioned in the statement.

As deliberations unfold over the two days, they aim to culminate in a singular, potent outcome. The Summit will conclude with the unveiling of the ‘Kashi Declaration’ on July 20, it added.

“This document will encapsulate the collective vision and commitment of youth and spiritual leaders, establishing a comprehensive action plan for a drug-free India. It will serve as a guiding framework for policymakers, civil society organizations, and youth networks engaged in drug de-addiction and rehabilitation efforts,” it said.

Aligned with the MY Bharat platform, the Summit will also launch a national Jan Andolan against drugs, with MY Bharat volunteers and associated youth clubs leading awareness campaigns, pledge initiatives, and grassroots outreach activities across villages, towns, and cities nationwide.

These efforts seek to develop a sustained national movement propelled by moral conviction and participatory leadership, the statement noted.

All updates and additional details regarding the Youth Spiritual Summit and live streaming of the event will be accessible on the MY Bharat platform: https://mybharat.gov.in.

In a prior briefing about the event, Mandaviya emphasized, “The summit will set the stage for a large-scale grassroots movement – Jan Andolan – aimed at identifying drug sources, eradicating them at the root, and forging a drug-free India.”

He warned that substance abuse remains one of the most severe threats facing the youth today, asserting that falling prey to drug addiction at a young age not only jeopardizes their futures but also hinders national progress.