The ‘Yuva Spiritual Summit’ began in in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, with the theme ‘Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India’ on July 19. The summit brought together more than 600 young participants representing 122 spiritual and socio-cultural organizations from all over the country.
The summit features four thematic sessions focused on key areas: understanding addiction and its impact on youth; breaking drug trafficking networks and commercial interests; designing effective campaigns and outreach strategies; and building a long-term commitment toward a drug-free India by 2047. These sessions are being conducted through expert talks, guided panel discussions, and interactive whiteboard platforms, ensuring that every delegate actively contributes to shaping a comprehensive national strategy.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that on 15th August 2022, during India’s 76th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his vision for the next 25 years through the ‘Panch Pran’ of Amrit Kaal. The minister emphasized that youth will play a vital role in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, as 65% of the population is under the age of 35. To make India developed by 2047, he added, we must keep our youth away from drugs, mobile phones and reels.
Dr. Mandaviya stressed the importance of making India drug-free in order to achieve this vision. He said our young generation must not only be seen as beneficiaries but also as changemakers who shape the future of the nation. However, substance abuse is one of the biggest threats facing youth today. Addiction is trapping them at a crucial point in life and posing a serious challenge to national progress.
The minister urged religious and social leaders to use their platforms to spread awareness among youth about staying away from addiction. He said that a single camp or limited efforts are not enough—we need a mass movement where every citizen pledges to inspire at least five others to join the anti-drug campaign.
Dr. Mandaviya said that the two-day summit will lead to valuable discussions and meaningful outcomes. The summit will conclude on July 20th with the release of the ‘Kashi Declaration’, a document reflecting the collective vision and commitment of youth and spiritual leaders. This document will offer a detailed action plan for building a drug-free India and act as a guiding charter for policymakers, civil society organizations, and youth networks working in the fields of de-addiction and rehabilitation.
