Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi Launches Nationwide Movement Against Drug Abuse

Varanasi, India – July 19, 2025 – The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with MY Bharat, has launched a transformative initiative to combat drug abuse through the Youth Spiritual Summit, held from July 19-20, 2025, at the Rudraksh Convention Centre in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Themed “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” (Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India), the summit marks the beginning of a youth-led national movement aimed at fostering a drug-free society and empowering India’s youth to drive the nation toward its vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Convened on the sacred banks of the River Ganga, the two-day summit brought together over 500 youth delegates representing 100 spiritual and socio-cultural organizations from across India. The event, rooted in the country’s rich spiritual heritage, seeks to harness the energy and resolve of India’s youth—over 65% of the population is under 35—to address the growing challenge of substance abuse. According to a recent study, one in five Indians aged 10-24 has used drugs at some point, with over 8.5 lakh children struggling with addiction, underscoring the urgency of this initiative.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized the pivotal role of young people in shaping India’s future. “Youth are the torchbearers of Amrit Kaal—the path to a Viksit Bharat,” he said during a press conference in New Delhi. “This summit will pave the way for a massive grassroots movement—Jan Andolan—to identify drug sources, eradicate them at the root, and build a drug-free India.” Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047, Mandaviya highlighted that substance abuse poses a significant threat to the nation’s youth and, consequently, its progress.

The summit featured four plenary sessions addressing critical aspects of the anti-drug campaign: understanding the psychological and social impact of addiction, dismantling drug supply and peddling networks, developing effective grassroots campaigning and communication strategies, and formulating a roadmap for achieving a Nasha Mukt Bharat by 2047. These sessions were complemented by expert keynote addresses, moderated panel discussions, and interactive whiteboard forums, ensuring that delegates actively contributed to shaping a national strategy.

A major highlight of the summit was the unveiling of the Kashi Declaration on July 20, 2025. This historic document outlines a five-year roadmap for a sustained, youth-led anti-drug movement, providing actionable strategies to prevent substance abuse, support those affected, and amplify awareness campaigns nationwide. The declaration will serve as a guiding charter for policymakers, civil society organizations, and youth networks working on drug de-addiction and rehabilitation. Progress on these initiatives will be reviewed during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) in 2026 to ensure accountability.

The event saw participation from prominent dignitaries, including Shiv Pratap Shukla, Governor of Himachal Pradesh; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism; Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment; Nityanand Rai, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs; and Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports. State leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Sports Minister Girish Yadav and Minister of State Nitin Agarwal, also attended, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the cause.

The Youth Spiritual Summit builds on the foundation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2020. This national campaign has established Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), Outreach-cum-Drop-In Centres (ODICs), and intensified awareness efforts in schools and colleges. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has also stepped up operations against drug mafias, while health and wellness centres provide critical counselling and support.

Aligned with the MY Bharat platform, the summit has sparked a nationwide Jan Andolan against drug abuse, with MY Bharat volunteers and youth clubs spearheading pledge campaigns, awareness drives, and grassroots outreach in villages, towns, and cities across India. A special padyatra in Kargil on July 26, 2025, to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas, was also announced to further promote the Fit India Movement and honor the nation’s martyrs.

Drawing inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s message of self-discipline and service, the summit underscores the role of spiritual and moral strength in tackling addiction. “This is not just an event—it marks the beginning of a new national awakening,” said Dr. Mandaviya. “From the sacred soil of Kashi, a call will rise to ignite a spirit of discipline, moral integrity, and social responsibility among young citizens, enriching their lives and strengthening India’s future.”