Government conducts Nasha Mukt Bharat Yuva Rally in Ludhiana, to Generate Public Awareness on Drug Use
People from all walks of life should come together to make Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan a Jan Andolan: Governor of Punjab
Linking youth with music, arts and sports can help youth wean themselves away from drug abuse: Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister
Many youth who have been rehabilitated have become contributors to Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister
To enhance the momentum of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) and take forward the progress towards a Drug-free India, the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India held a special program in convergence with the State Government of Punjab at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana today, 11th January, 2025. The program featured prize distribution to the winners of NMBA competitions at the school and college level, felicitation of recovered users and master volunteers including a Nasha Mukt Bharat Yuva rally led by Governor of Punjab Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar and others. To promote sports activities among the youth, sports kits were also distributed to representatives of local sports clubs, empowering them to engage in sports activities as a positive alternative. The event saw active participation from over 8,000 individuals, including students from various colleges and universities, and teachers, youth, civil society organizations, police officers, followers of spiritual organizations such as Brahma Kumaris and Sant Nirankari Mission, as well as other stakeholders.
Upon the conclusion of the programme, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Yuva Rally was officially flagged off by the dignitaries. The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation, delivering a strong message of creating a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Governor of Punjab Shri Gulab Chand Kataria was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar; Member (Health), NITI Aayog, Dr. V. K. Paul; Union Minister of State, Railways & Food Processing Industries, Government of India, Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu; Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Government of Punjab, Dr. Baljit Kaur; Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India Shri Rajesh Aggarwal; Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Punjab, Smt. Raji P Srivastava; and Member, General Council, National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Shri Sukhwinder Singh Bindra were also present on the occasion.
“People from all walks of life should come together to make Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan a Jan Andolan”
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, the Governor of Punjab Shri Gulab Chand Kataria expressed his appreciation for the initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, in organizing an awareness rally in the state of Punjab. Highlighting the critical role of youth and students from all sections of society, he emphasized the need for their active and enthusiastic participation in this event as a collective effort to combat the drug menace in Punjab. The Governor also called upon political parties, heads of educational institutions, and spiritual organizations to join hands in this noble endeavour and contribute towards achieving the vision of a drug-free Punjab.
The Governor assured that Punjab will take the Abhiyan forward with full energy. “Our religious leaders are trying to make Punjab Nasha Mukt. We need to bring all of them together and add further strength to the movement. I have spoken to VCs of universities; they have assured me that they will exhort their students to take pledge against drug abuse.” Stating that India’s enemies are trying to weaken our youth and hence our country using the weapon of drugs, the Governor appealed to youth, to ensure that they stay away from drugs.
“Linking youth with music, arts and sports can help youth wean themselves away from drug abuse”
Addressing the youth and other stakeholders who had gathered at the rally, the Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar highlighted that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, launched on August 15, 2020, is a nationwide initiative to combat the drug menace. Since its inception, the Abhiyaan has evolved into a mass movement (Jan Andolan), garnering widespread public support and participation. Once celebrated as a land of legendary sportspersons and distinguished social reformers, Punjab has the potential to lead the fight against drug abuse. He underscored the pivotal role of youth in making Punjab drug sensitized. He also suggested targeted awareness campaigns in vulnerable communities, including slum areas, as well as among auto-rickshaw and truck drivers, who are particularly susceptible to drug abuse.
The Minister said that the nation as a whole - central and state governments, religious organizations and youth - has to together fight the problem of drug abuse. He added that the state of Punjab can give direction to the nation in this fight. He called for increased engagement of the youth through sports activities, cycle rallies, and street plays (nukkad nataks), which not only foster awareness but also serve as a constructive means to keep them away from substance abuse. “We need to link our youth with music, arts and sports, in which Punjab has been strong. If a person who is inclined to drugs is given such options, they can be weaned away from drug abuse.”
“Many youth who have been rehabilitated have become contributors to Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan”
The Social Justice and Empowerment Minister pointed out that the impact of drugs is not only on the person using drugs, but on his or her family and community as well. He shared various examples of youth who were rehabilitated at Nasha Mukt Centres, who later on took it as their mission to help others fight drug abuse and addiction. “I once saw an orphan girl in a Nasha Mukt centre. The NGO who took her to the centre got her married after she was rehabilitated. She has now made it her life's resolve to see that other girls do not adopt the path of drug abuse.”
“Target is to reach 5 crore people in next programme on Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan”
The Minister informed that around 98,000 schools had participated in the previous programme on the Abhiyan; around 2 lakh youth and people from religious and social organizations participated. “In the next programme, more than 3.42 crore people participated. For the next programme on 12th August, we have targeted to reach 5 crore people, to build awareness on drug abuse.”
“Pledge yourselves to a drug-free life”
Member (Health), NITI Aayog, Dr. V. K. Paul Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, highlighted the significance of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the flagship campaign of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowrment, Government of India. Addressing the gathering, he urged all the students and youth to pledge their commitment to a drug-free life. He called upon the attendees to not only abstain from substance use themselves but also to actively discourage their friends and relatives from engaging in such practices.
“Need to expand campaign in border areas, and to every block, school and college”
Union Minister of State, Railways & Food Processing Industries, Government of India, Ravneet Singh Bittu emphasized Punjab’s rich legacy in sports and its immense potential for excellence. However, he expressed concern over the current drug situation that has been impeding the state’s progress. He highlighted the commendable efforts of Punjab’s youth, who have begun actively combating the menace of drugs. He underscored the importance of organizing more such awareness events and intervention camps, particularly in the border areas of the state. The Minister further stressed the need to expand the campaign’s reach to every block, school, and college, to eradicate the drug problem comprehensively.
The Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Government of Punjab, Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the Government of Punjab has undertaken several proactive measures in its ongoing fight against drug abuse. Among these initiatives are programs such as “Khedaan Watan Punjab Diyaan” and state-wide cycle rallies, aimed at encouraging the youth to actively participate in sports and physical activities. “Additionally, the government is organizing regular yoga sessions across Punjab to promote healthy living and foster a positive lifestyle among the younger generation. These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to nurturing a drug-free and health-conscious society.”
Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India Shri Amit Yadav said that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, which was launched on 15th August, 2020, has has reached 15 crore people with contribution of 10,000 master volunteers and more than 4.5 lakh nodal officers. Speaking on the role of Punjab, he said that Punjabis have played an important role in the freedom struggle and in 1971 War but that today, the war is not only armed conflicts. “Punjab should not fall prey to drug wars from abroad. Youth including college and school students should all ensure in combating the menace of drug abuse. My appeal to all youth is to take a pledge to stay away from drugs and to also encourage others to do the same.”
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was launched on 15th August 2020 by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in 272 identified most vulnerable districts and now covers all the districts of the country. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan intends to reach out to the masses and spread awareness about substance use with a focus on higher educational Institutions, university campuses & schools, reaching out & identifying dependent population, focus on counselling & treatment facilities in hospitals & rehabilitation centres and capacity building programmes for service providers.
Substance use disorder is a critical issue that significantly impacts the social fabric of the nation. Dependence on any substance not only jeopardizes the individual's health but also disrupts the well-being of families and communities at large. Continued consumption of psychoactive substances can lead to severe dependency, with certain substances contributing to the development of neuro-psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and increasing the risks of accidents, suicides, and violence. As such, substance use and dependence must be recognized as a complex psycho-social-medical challenge requiring comprehensive attention and intervention.
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