By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi 

New Delhi: Calling drug-free youth the foundation of a developed nation, Delhi Social Welfare and SC/ST/OBC Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh urged young people to become the driving force behind India’s fight against substance abuse during the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva – Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College in the national capital.

Addressing students, volunteers and civil society representatives, the minister said the nationwide initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, is not a one-day campaign but the beginning of a 100-week people’s movement that will engage youth every Sunday through sports, culture, yoga, meditation, community service and awareness programmes to build a drug-free India.

Highlighting the role of young citizens in nation-building, Singh said a healthy, disciplined and drug-free generation is essential for achieving the vision of a Developed India (Viksit Bharat). He also stressed that under the leadership of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Government is actively promoting awareness programmes while connecting youth with education, sports and skill development to keep them away from substance abuse.

Drawing inspiration from India’s cultural traditions, the minister compared the fight against drugs with the triumph of good over evil depicted in the annual Ramlila celebrations. He urged youngsters to embrace the ideals of truth, discipline and responsibility, remain focused on their life goals and motivate others to reject drug abuse.

The programme, organised by MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, was attended by North East Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari, college faculty, NSS volunteers, students, NGOs working in de-addiction, and government officials. Participants watched the Prime Minister’s virtual address, staged awareness performances and reaffirmed their commitment to a drug-free nation.

The event concluded with a collective pledge for a Drug-Free India and a Developed India, while Ravinder Indraj Singh and other dignitaries signed the campaign’s “Choose Life, Not Drugs” Signature Wall, reinforcing their commitment to making the anti-drug movement a nationwide public mission.