The path to freedom: Towards a drug-free India

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) is not merely a government programme but a mass movement aimed at empowering India’s youth power, family structure and national consciousness

As the entire world reflects on the challenge of substance use on the occasion of World Drug Day on June 26, for India, this issue emerges not merely as a social or health-related problem, but as a grave matter linked to the nation’s future.  Substance abuse weakens not just an individual, but the family, society, and ultimately the collective strength of the nation. It shatters the dreams of the youth, tears families apart, and hinders the pace of development.

Today, India has the largest youth population in the world. This youth power is the greatest asset of our ‘Amrit Kaal’. If this power is channelled into education, skills, innovation, and nation-building, nothing can stop India from becoming a ‘Vishwa Guru’ but if the youth fall into the addiction of drugs, it will be a loss not just to one generation but to the future of the nation. Therefore, the fight against drugs is the responsibility of every Indian.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government has not viewed the problem of drug abuse merely as a matter of law and order or health; instead, it considers it a critical issue linked to the future of India’s youth and the progress of the nation. On numerous occasions, he has called upon the youth, parents, and all sections of society from public platforms to remain aware of substance abuse. From ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to various national programmes, he has repeatedly emphasised that drug addiction becomes a problem not of an individual but of the entire family and society.

It is indeed a result of the Prime Minister’s sensitivity that the fight against drug abuse has not been limited to government action alone but has been transformed into a campaign driven by public participation. The ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ (Drug-Free India Campaign) was launched under his guidance, through which the message of awareness has reached crores of youth, students, and citizens. 

The Prime Minister firmly believes that India’s youth power is the country’s biggest asset, and it is our national responsibility to safeguard it from evils like drug abuse.

Launched on August 15, 2020, the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ (Drug-Free India Campaign) has today become a people’s movement. This campaign is not merely a government programme, but a medium for social awakening. Millions of youths, students, women, teachers, and voluntary organisations have actively participated in this movement.  From villages to metropolises, from schools to universities, and from digital platforms to community events, a widespread public awareness against substance abuse has emerged.

The government has taken decisive steps to curb the supply of substances. The Narcotics Control Bureau and various security agencies have dismantled numerous international smuggling networks through coordinated action. Surveillance at the borders has been strengthened, and strict action has been taken against organised crime. We must understand that drug trafficking is not merely a crime; it is often linked to anti-national activities and the financing of terrorism.  Therefore, this struggle against drug trafficking is also a struggle for national security.

However, the success of any law or government campaign is ensured only when society becomes its driving force.  India’s greatest strength is its social and cultural consciousness.  Our families, our values, our community traditions, and our social solidarity are the strongest shields against substance abuse.

Family is the first and most important unit of this fight.  If parents maintain open communication with their children, become their friends, and keep a watchful eye on changes in their behaviour, the problem of substance abuse can be prevented at an early stage.  Schools and colleges, too, will have to play an active role in fostering self-confidence, positive thinking, and a healthy lifestyle among the youth.

Our mothers and sisters are the greatest strength of this campaign. Across the country, Self-Help Groups, Anganwadi workers, and women’s organisations have played a significant role in spreading awareness and taking care of families. Their contribution to building a drug-free India is invaluable.

At the same time, we must also change our attitude towards those who have recovered from addiction. A person should be judged not by his past, but by his efforts to improve. The rehabilitation process can be truly successful only if society accepts and encourages them and provides them with opportunities to move forward.

On the occasion of World Drug Day, I call upon every citizen of the country, especially the youth, to become a part of this national campaign against drug abuse.  Spread awareness in your family, your school, your workplace and your society.  If every citizen resolves to keep even one person away from substance abuse, millions of lives could be saved.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) is not merely a government programme but a mass movement aimed at empowering India’s youth power, family structure and national consciousness.

Let us come together to turn this invocation into a mass resolve and move forward together towards a drug-free India, for the sake of building a developed India. It is the national resolve of 140 crore countrymen. This very resolve will serve as a strong foundation for the building of Viksit Bharat.

The success of any law or government campaign is ensured only when society becomes its driving force.  India’s greatest strength is its social and cultural consciousness

The writer is Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution of India; Views presented are personal.