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Varanasi, July 19, 2025 – Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, issued a powerful warning about the dangers of drug addiction among India’s youth at the inaugural session of the Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi. Addressing over 600 delegates from 122 spiritual and socio-cultural organizations, Mandaviya stressed that the dream of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047 cannot be achieved unless the nation’s youth are shielded from the threats of substance abuse and digital distractions.
Key Highlights from the Summit
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Minister’s Message:
Dr. Mandaviya identified addiction—whether to drugs, mobile phones, or social media—as a major obstacle to national progress. “India can develop only when the youth stay away from drug addiction as well as mobile and reel addiction,” he declared, emphasizing that young people should be seen not just as beneficiaries but as changemakers in the nation’s journey toward development. -
Call to Action:
The Minister urged religious and social leaders to leverage their platforms to spread awareness about the dangers of drug use. He advocated for a grassroots mass movement, encouraging every citizen to inspire at least five others to join the anti-drug campaign. -
Kashi Declaration:
The two-day summit, themed “Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India,” will conclude with the release of the ‘Kashi Declaration’. This landmark document is expected to serve as a guiding charter for policymakers, civil society, and youth networks, laying out a national action plan for a drug-free India.
The Gravity of the Problem
Mandaviya cited alarming statistics to highlight the extent of the crisis:
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One in every five Indians aged between 10 and 24 has used drugs at some point.
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Over 8.5 lakh children in India are struggling with drug addiction, according to a report by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
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The number of suicides linked to drug and alcohol addiction has more than doubled in the past decade.
Government Initiatives
The Minister outlined several government measures:
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Launch of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) in 2020.
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Establishment of Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) and Outreach-cum-Drop-In Centres for prevention and rehabilitation.
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Increased awareness campaigns in schools and colleges.
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Strong enforcement action against drug trafficking networks.
Youth at the Forefront
With 65% of India’s population under the age of 35, the summit’s focus was on empowering youth to take charge of nation-building. The summit also emphasized using India’s rich spiritual tradition as a tool to combat addiction, highlighting personal narratives of recovery and resilience to inspire young people.
Looking Forward
The Kashi Declaration, to be released at the end of the summit, will present an action plan aiming to create a drug-free environment, provide support mechanisms for those affected, and promote widespread awareness to prevent substance abuse. The declaration aspires to be a five-year roadmap toward building a healthier and stronger India.
Disclaimer
This article is based on ministerial statements, conference proceedings, and secondary reporting from multiple reputable Indian news sources. While every effort has been made to accurately represent the main points and data discussed at the Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi, readers are encouraged to consult official government releases and health authorities for the most current information and advice on substance abuse.
