‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan’ Observed Across Northeast India

Kohima, India Aug 3, 2026 ALN: IMPHAL, SHILLONG, ITANAGAR AUG 2: Along with the rest of the country, several Northeast states also joined in the nationwide ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan’ held on Sunday. This initiative aims to mobilize youth across India to combat the growing issue of substance abuse, which has become a significant concern in many regions, including the Northeast, where drug abuse rates have been alarmingly high.

Drug-free youth essential for Viksit Bharat: Manipur CM

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Sunday stated that the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 can only be realized with a healthy, disciplined, and drug-free youth. Singh made the statement while attending the nationwide launch of the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan’ held at Manipur University. The campaign is part of a larger national strategy to address the challenges posed by drug addiction and its impact on society.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the campaign with a nationwide virtual interaction with youth across the country from New Delhi. During this interaction, Singh emphasized that the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 is achievable only with a healthy, disciplined, and drug-free youth. He urged the young people of Manipur to actively participate in nation-building by staying away from drugs and contributing positively towards the development of the state and the country.

Recalling the period when drug abuse was at its peak, Singh shared that he consciously chose to remain away from narcotic substances, which enabled him to dedicate himself to public service. He encouraged the youth to make similar choices and become responsible citizens capable of leading Manipur towards a brighter future. This personal anecdote serves as a reminder of the importance of individual choice and responsibility in combating drug abuse.

Expressing concern over the increasing incidence of substance abuse, Singh noted that interactions with various NGOs revealed disturbing instances of organized networks supplying drugs to young people through various means. This issue is compounded by the geographical and socio-economic factors prevalent in the Northeast, where drug trafficking routes often intersect with local communities, making the fight against substance abuse particularly challenging.

He affirmed the government’s commitment to intensifying its fight against drug trafficking and protecting the youth from the harmful effects of narcotics. This commitment is crucial in a region where drug abuse not only affects individual lives but also poses broader social and economic challenges, including increased crime rates and the destabilization of communities.

Highlighting the state’s strategic importance under the Act East Policy, Singh stated that Manipur is poised to become the gateway to Southeast Asia. He mentioned that the government is working towards the completion and utilization of the railway network to Imphal by December 2028, which will further strengthen connectivity, trade, and economic opportunities extending towards Moreh and neighboring countries. This infrastructural development is expected to open new avenues for youth employment and engagement, thereby reducing the allure of drug abuse.

Singh also emphasized that peace is the foundation of development. Referring to the unprecedented crisis that has affected the state over the past three years, he appealed to all communities to move forward with mutual understanding and work collectively towards restoring lasting peace. The connection between peace, development, and the fight against drug abuse is critical, as instability often exacerbates substance use issues.

Meghalaya to work towards a drug-free India

Participants of the virtual launch of Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat – Sankalp Abhiyaan at Lok Bhavan in Shillong on Sunday resolved to contribute to the vision of a drug-free India and to work toward a healthier and safer future for the youth of Meghalaya and the nation. Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar joined the virtual launch of the campaign, demonstrating the commitment of state leadership towards this national initiative.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nationwide campaign, which was held simultaneously at 28,000 locations across India, with over 1 crore youth participating online. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya spoke on the need for youth involvement in fighting substance abuse, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing this pressing issue. In Shillong, students and faculty from NEHU, IIM Shillong, MLCU, and other institutions, along with members of religious organizations, attended the event. Following the Prime Minister’s address, all participants at Lok Bhavan, including the Governor, took the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan pledge, reaffirming their commitment to preventing substance abuse and promoting healthy, responsible, and addiction-free lifestyles.

The program concluded with a street play by the state-level winners of the Nasha Mukti competition, focusing on the harmful effects of drug abuse and calling for coordinated action by families, educational institutions, communities, and government agencies to raise awareness. This grassroots approach is essential in fostering a culture of prevention and support, which can significantly mitigate the impact of drug abuse in the community.

Arunachal CM joins nationwide anti-drug campaign

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual launch of the nationwide ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan’ from Tawang. Speaking at the launch, Khandu urged the youth of the frontier state to become active ambassadors in the movement against substance abuse. His appeal reflects a growing recognition among leaders that youth engagement is critical in the fight against drugs.

The 100-week campaign, spearheaded by the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, commenced with over one crore young people across more than 10,000 locations taking a collective pledge to stay away from drugs and dedicate themselves to nation-building. This extensive reach underscores the government's commitment to mobilizing youth in a unified effort against substance abuse.

Launching the campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the country’s youth must be mentally and physically fit, which necessitates staying away from all kinds of substance abuse. He asked the youth to take a pledge against substance abuse, noting that while drugs may provide a temporary high, they ultimately lead to a low in their careers and personal lives. This message resonates deeply in a society where the pressures of modern life can lead young people to seek escapism in substances.

Highlighting the transformative nature of the campaign, Khandu wrote on social media that India, under PM Modi’s visionary leadership, has turned the fight against drug abuse into a true ‘Jan Bhagidari’ (people’s movement). He urged every youth in Arunachal to become an ambassador of this movement and encourage their families, friends, and communities to choose a healthy, disciplined, and drug-free life. The initiative will see weekly Sunday activities, including sports events, walkathons, cultural programs, and community engagement campaigns to be held across all states and union territories over the next 100 weeks to ensure sustained momentum against drug addiction. This proactive approach aims to create a supportive environment for youth, where healthy alternatives to substance use are readily available and promoted.

The implications of the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan’ extend beyond just the immediate goal of reducing drug abuse. It is also about fostering a sense of community, resilience, and empowerment among the youth. By encouraging young people to take active roles in their communities and in the fight against drug abuse, the campaign seeks to build a generation that is not only aware of the dangers of substance use but is also equipped to lead and inspire positive change. The involvement of educational institutions, local organizations, and government bodies is crucial in creating a comprehensive support system that can effectively address the multifaceted challenges of drug addiction.

As the campaign progresses, it will be essential to monitor its impact and effectiveness in reducing substance abuse rates and promoting healthier lifestyles among the youth of India. The collaboration between various stakeholders, including government, NGOs, and the community, will play a vital role in ensuring that the objectives of the campaign are met and that the vision of a drug-free India becomes a reality.