Nasha-Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat assembly held at Akshardham
A special assembly titled “Nasha-Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” was organised on Sunday at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi. Thousands of young men and women from Delhi and adjoining regions participated in the event.
The programme began at 10:00 am with a devotional dhun and prayers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi then addressed the gathering virtually and urged the youth to adopt an addiction-free lifestyle as part of the vision for a developed India. Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was also present at the venue. The assembly was held simultaneously at all BAPS centres across the country.
Ahead of the Prime Minister’s address, Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami, a senior sadhu of BAPS, addressed the youth. He said, “Bhagwan Swaminarayan has commanded us to live a life free from addictions. Only one who is free from addictions can become a true Satsangi.”
He added that since the Hon’ble Prime Minister is leading this noble campaign, everyone should join with enthusiasm and devotion to support it. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat appreciated the youth initiatives undertaken by BAPS and encouraged the participants to engage in creative and constructive work. In his virtual address, the Prime Minister emphasised the crucial role of young people in realising the dream of Viksit Bharat and called upon them to actively participate in building a de-addicted India.
The programme saw participation from youth, MY Bharat volunteers, NSS volunteers, students from schools and colleges, and representatives of more than 125 spiritual institutions. People joined virtually from 10,000 locations across the country.
The event highlighted BAPS’ long-standing commitment to de-addiction. Since the time of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, over 3,000 sants and Paramhansas have travelled across villages, spreading the message of an addiction-free life. Carrying forward this mission, His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired more than five million people during his lifetime to give up addictions and lead a pure and virtuous life. Those who took the pledge included farmers, members of tribal communities, business leaders and public figures.
For decades, BAPS has run several initiatives to promote awareness:
1997: De-addiction camps were held in villages and towns across Gujarat. Mobile exhibitions were also organised to spread awareness, and many people pledged to stay away from intoxicants.
2000: Children aged 9 to 14 formed 2,500 groups and visited homes in Gujarat, Mumbai, Kolkata and other states. Lakhs of people signed written pledges to quit gutka, drugs, smoking and alcohol.
2007: Around 23,000 children and youth reached out to 2.1 million people through a nationwide campaign,
with 6,30,000 people pledging to give up addictions. Former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam met BAPS youth volunteers at Rashtrapati Bhavan, lauded their efforts and felicitated them.
2022: During Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and the Birth Centenary of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS youths led de-addiction drives across the country, inspiring lakhs to adopt a pure lifestyle.
Today, under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, countless individuals continue to transform their lives by embracing an addiction-free path. Inspired by his darshan and saintly conduct, they are working toward a better future for themselves and for society.
