Drugs wreck lives and dreams, PM warns; calls on youth to recognize the danger and reject addiction
New Delhi, August 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to the youth to stay away from drugs, saying that drugs give a temporary high but devastate your career and family life. Therefore, we must resolve to ensure that our youth understand the dangers of addiction and stay away from it while remaining vigilant.
Prime Minister Modi today launched the “Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India Sankalp Abhiyan.” During the nationwide video conference, more than 10 million youth participated in over 28,000 locations.
The Prime Minister said that drug addiction weakens the strength of families, society, and the nation. Enemy countries also conspire to lure the country’s youth into drug addiction. Consequently, destroying the country by earning money through drug supply is also part of a terrorist conspiracy. Therefore, we must protect every youth from falling into the trap of addiction.
Emphasizing the power of collectivity, the Prime Minister said that individual efforts can lead to disappointment and fatigue, but when a campaign takes a collective form and millions of people move forward together, the power of collectivity gives it new energy.
The Prime Minister informed that millions of youth across the country have taken the pledge to be drug-free. He stated that this pledge will continue for the next 100 weeks. During this period, activities related to art, culture, sports, meditation, spirituality, and service will be organized every Sunday. Through these programs, the message of drug de-addiction will be spread to as many people as possible. He said that the coming 100 Sundays will prove to be 100 strong steps towards a drug-free India.
Narendra Modi underlined the importance of yoga, meditation, and rehabilitation in drug de-addiction. He said that with the support of society, these methods strengthen a person’s inner self. He added that today, facilities like rehabilitation centers are also available for quitting addiction. He said, “If a young person accidentally falls into drug addiction, it doesn’t mean all avenues are closed. With proper support and treatment, they can return to normal life.”
He appealed to families not to hide a child’s addiction for social prestige. It is important to develop a culture of dialogue with children so that changes in their behavior can be recognized early.
The Prime Minister urged professors and teachers not to limit themselves to the curriculum but to regularly discuss the ill effects of drugs with students. He said that educational institutions can play an important role in protecting youth from drug addiction.
PM Modi stated that the government stands firmly with the youth in the campaign against drugs. He explained that strict action is being taken against drug dealers and smugglers. Arrests have been made many times higher than before, and drugs worth thousands of crores of rupees have been seized. This reflects the government’s tough policy.
Modi expressed confidence that the central and state governments will carry forward this campaign in mission mode. He said that by staying drug-free, the country’s youth will not only conserve their energy but also strengthen the resolve for a developed India. He appealed to all social and spiritual organizations and gurus whose organizations are active across the country and with a large number of youth associated with them, to contribute to making the drug de-addiction campaign a mass movement by taking responsibility for at least one week in the coming 100 weeks.
