PM Modi launches ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan’, says drug-free youth crucial for Viksit Bharat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (August 2, 2026) said that to achieve the target of a developed India, the country’s youth must remain mentally and physically fit, for which they must stay away from all kinds of substance abuse.

Launching the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ aimed at eradicating substance abuse among the youth, Mr. Modi said the campaign is not just for the youth, but also for their families, society and the entire country.

Mr. Modi claimed that hurting India’s interests by supplying drugs is part of “enemy nations’ terror plan.”

“To achieve target of developed India, youth must be physically, mentally fit and stay away from drug abuse,” Mr. Modi said, while adding that if a youth gets addicted to drugs, his aspirations take a hit, and his family gets shattered.

The Prime Minister launched the campaign virtually in the presence of a large number of youth, who described themselves as representatives of Gen-Z, days after large-scale protests by students demanding reforms in the public examination system rocked Delhi and other parts of the country.

The campaign aims to inspire youth to stay away from substance abuse and encourages them to become ambassadors of positive social change in their communities.

“Drug use disturbs focus, takes you away from dreams,” the PM said while cautioning the youth.

The launch marked the beginning of a 100-week nationwide ‘Jan Bhagidari’ campaign, under which activities will be organised every Sunday (August 2, 2026) across the country to promote awareness and encourage public participation in building a drug-free society.

“Next 100 Sundays will mark 100 strong steps towards drug-free India,” Mr. Modi said.

The activities will include sports events, walkathons, meditation sessions, cultural programmes, awareness campaigns, nukkad nataks, discussion forums, art competitions and community engagement programmes.

The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched in 2020 in line with Mr. Modi’s vision of creating a Nasha Mukt Bharat, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Mansukh Mandaviya, said at the event.