New Delhi (India) August 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday rolled out the nationwide 'Nasha Mukta Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan' and declared that 100-week campaign against the menace of drug abuse, saying his government has cracked down hard on drug trafficking, leading to substantial arrests and seizures worth thousands of crores of rupees.
PM Modi Calls Youth the Nation's Greatest Strength
Launching the 'Nasha Mukta Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan' via video conferencing, Modi said the drive, which would be conducted every Sunday for the next 100 weeks across the country as a Jan Bhagidari (people's participation) initiative to build a drug-free nation.
"Today, the 'Nasha Mukta Yuva Abhiyaan' is launching across the country. There is immense power in collective action, and today, driven by that very strength, this campaign is set to touch the heart of every young person," he said.
"Strict action is being taken in the country against drug traffickers and drug abuse; there have been many times more arrests compared to before, and drugs worth thousands of crores of rupees have been seized. This shows how tough our government is against drugs," he added.
"You are India's Amrit Peedhi. You will shape your lives over the next 20-25 years, and you will lead the country to the goal of a Viksit Bharat in 2047. The country needs your energy, your imagination and your talent, so staying drug-free is crucial for the country and for your own lives," he also added.
Families Urged to Seek Timely Help
The Prime Minister asked families not to hide addiction incidents due to social pressure but to seek immediate medical help.
"When a young person falls prey to drug addiction, it is not just that individual who loses; a dream is lost. Hostile nations conspire and leave no stone unturned to drag our youth into the trap of addiction. Profiting from the supply of drugs while aiming to destroy a country like ours is part of their terror-driven agenda," he said.
"If any child from our home has become a victim of addiction, do not hide it under the guise of social prestige. Seek help from whoever is needed. Make efforts to free your child from addiction with medical help," he added.
De-Addiction Centres to Strengthen Rehabilitation Efforts
Modi also mentioned that Indian traditions have long offered guidance against dangerous practices and have encouraged the adoption of positive life choices, adding that modern day mechanisms like de-addiction centres are being developed.
The Centre has often spoken about the need for a multi-pronged approach towards curbing drug addiction that comprises law enforcement efforts, awareness generation, community participation and rehabilitation of drug addicts.