**Shimla, 02 August 2026**
In a significant step towards realizing the vision of a **Nasha Mukt Bharat** and **Viksit Bharat @2047**, **Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), Shimla**, under the **Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India**, in collaboration with **Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Waknaghat**, successfully organized a special programme under the nationwide campaign **“Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan”** on 2 August 2026.
The event formed part of the historic nationwide launch of the campaign by the **Hon’ble Prime Minister of India**, who addressed youth from across the country through video conferencing. The campaign marks the beginning of a **100-week nationwide Jan Bhagidari movement against substance abuse**, aimed at mobilizing young citizens, communities, institutions and civil society organizations to work collectively towards eliminating drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyles among youth.
The programme at JUIT witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, MY Bharat Volunteers, MY Bharat–NSS Volunteers and other stakeholders. Participants joined thousands of institutions and organizations across the country in witnessing the live address of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and taking the **Nasha Mukti Pledge**, reaffirming their commitment towards building a drug-free and healthy society.
The nationwide campaign has emerged as one of the largest youth-led social movements in the country, bringing together more than **125 spiritual organizations** and their representatives, along with MY Bharat volunteers, NSS volunteers, youth clubs, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, youth wings of industry associations and community-based organizations. The initiative seeks to create a broad-based national coalition against substance abuse and encourage active youth participation in nation-building.
Addressing the nation during the launch, the Hon’ble Prime Minister emphasized the crucial role of youth in shaping India’s future and called upon young citizens to become ambassadors of social change. He highlighted the need for collective action involving families, educational institutions, community organizations and government agencies to effectively combat the menace of drug abuse. The Prime Minister also interacted with selected participants from different parts of the country and encouraged youth to lead the movement through awareness, positive engagement and community service.
The launch programme connected more than **25,000 locations across India**, where over **one crore youth simultaneously took the Nasha Mukti Pledge**, making it one of the largest youth mobilization efforts ever undertaken in the country. The collective pledge symbolized the resolve of India’s youth to reject substance abuse and contribute towards building a healthier, stronger and more productive nation.
Speaking on the occasion, **Brigadier (Retd.) Shri R. K. Sharma, Registrar, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat**, who graced the programme as the **Chief Guest**, congratulated MY Bharat and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for launching a campaign of national importance. He stressed that youth constitute the most valuable asset of the nation and that protecting them from the harmful effects of substance abuse is essential for achieving the goals of a developed India. He urged students and young volunteers to become role models within their communities and actively promote awareness regarding the physical, social and economic consequences of drug addiction.
Shri Sharma further encouraged young people to participate in sports, cultural activities, volunteerism, innovation and skill development initiatives that foster a healthy, disciplined and purpose-driven lifestyle. He underscored the importance of educational institutions in nurturing responsible citizens and creating an environment that supports positive youth development.
The programme also highlighted the pivotal role of **MY Bharat**, the flagship youth platform of the Government of India, in connecting young people with opportunities for volunteering, leadership development, nation-building activities and community engagement. Through initiatives such as the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan, MY Bharat continues to empower youth to become active partners in addressing social challenges and contributing to national development.
As part of the campaign, a wide range of activities will be conducted across the country over the next **100 weeks**, including awareness drives, sports events, padyatras, cycle rallies, cultural programmes, youth dialogues, debates, essay competitions, meditation and wellness sessions, nukkad nataks, community outreach programmes and volunteer-led awareness campaigns. These sustained efforts aim to transform the fight against substance abuse into a mass people’s movement driven by community participation and youth leadership.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment by all participants to actively support the objectives of the campaign, spread awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and contribute towards creating a healthy, empowered and drug-free India. The event reaffirmed the collective resolve of educational institutions, youth organizations and community stakeholders to work together in advancing the national vision of **“Nasha Mukt Bharat – Viksit Bharat 2047.”**
Author: Public Updates 24
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