Gandhinagar: A state-level ‘Drug-Free Youth for Viksit Bharat Pledge Campaign’ was organised at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, as part of the nationwide campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote a drug-free India.
The programme, titled “Gen-Z Against Addiction – Drug-Free Youth for Viksit Bharat Pledge Campaign,” brought together young participants to raise awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and encourage youth to contribute to the vision of a developed India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the youth of Gujarat and across the country, urging them to actively participate in the campaign and work towards building a drug-free India.
CM Bhupendra Patel Urges Youth to Turn Anti-Drug Campaign into People’s Movement
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel interacted with young participants during the programme and encouraged them to take the ‘Drug-Free Youth – Viksit Bharat Pledge’.
The Chief Minister said the campaign should become a people’s movement in Gujarat, with young people playing a leading role in creating a drug-free society.
He emphasised that the spirit of ‘My Bharat’ should focus not only on individual interests but also on the collective progress of the nation.
Responding to a question from a My Bharat volunteer about initiatives to involve more young people in the anti-drug campaign, CM Bhupendra Patel said the government is committed to ensuring that youth remain free from addiction and contribute meaningfully to India’s development.
Governor Acharya Devvrat Says Youth Are India’s Greatest Asset
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat also interacted with the youth and highlighted the importance of creating a drug-free generation for achieving the vision of a developed India.
The Governor said India must become not only a developed nation but also a drug-free country, as the youth are the nation’s greatest asset.
He encouraged young people to replace harmful addictions with positive passions and develop a strong commitment towards activities that benefit society and the environment.
He urged youth to develop a passion for:
- Water conservation
- Environmental protection
- Respect for elders
- National service
- Social responsibility
Referring to national icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagat Singh, the Governor called upon young people to embrace the spirit of dedication and service to the nation.
Governor Highlights Natural Farming and Environmental Initiatives
During the interactive session, Governor Acharya Devvrat also spoke about his efforts to promote natural farming and environmental conservation across Gujarat.
He said he regularly visits remote villages, stays among farming communities and encourages tree plantation on Panchayat wasteland under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
According to the Governor, planted trees are linked to local families to ensure their long-term care. Monthly photographs and videos are also collected to monitor the progress of the plantation initiative.
He further said he visits Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households, shares meals with families and interacts with villagers on issues such as:
- Education
- De-addiction
- Natural farming
- Environmental conservation
The Governor also highlighted concerns over the impact of chemical fertilisers on soil, the environment and human health. He said sustained efforts have encouraged around 8.5 lakh farmers in Gujarat to adopt natural farming practices.
Nationwide Drug-Free Youth Campaign Sees Participation from 26 Governors and 11 CMs
The nationwide campaign witnessed participation from Governors of 26 states, including Gujarat, and Chief Ministers of 11 states.
As part of the programme, participating youth took the ‘Drug-Free Youth – Viksit Bharat Pledge’.
The event also featured awareness and cultural activities, including:
- Screening of a special awareness video on drug-free youth
- A street play highlighting the dangers of substance abuse
- Interaction between youth and senior public representatives
- Pledge-taking by participating young people
The activities aimed to spread awareness about substance abuse and encourage young people to adopt responsible and healthy lifestyles.
My Bharat Connects Over 2.5 Crore Youth Across India
Addressing the gathering, My Bharat State Director Sachin Sharma said that the organisation has connected with more than 2.5 crore youth across the country, including over 9 lakh young people in Gujarat.
He said the campaign is based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Yuva, Viksit Bharat” and aims to promote positive thinking, responsibility and the spirit of national service among young people.
The campaign seeks to empower youth to play a leading role in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.
According to Sharma, thousands of programmes are being organised across the country under the campaign, with participation from lakhs of young people.
Youth Take Pledge to Build Drug-Free India
The state-level programme at NFSU Gandhinagar brought together Gen-Z youth, school and college students and other participants both physically and online.
The programme emphasised that a drug-free youth population is essential for building a healthy, productive and developed India.
The campaign seeks to encourage young people to stay away from substance abuse, develop positive habits and contribute to society through responsible citizenship and national service.
Senior Officials and Public Representatives Attend Programme
The programme was attended by several public representatives, officials and academic leaders, including:
- Miraben Patel, Gandhinagar Mayor
- Ritaben Patel, MLA
- Ashish Dave, BJP City President
- Dr J. M. Vyas, NFSU Chancellor
- Ravindra Khatale, District Collector
- Dr S. O. Junare, NFSU Campus Director
A large number of Gen-Z youth, school and college students and participants attending both in person and online also took part in the state-level campaign.
