Highlighting the devastating results of substance addiction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating substance abuse from the grassroots level.

He stressed the need for strong family support systems to combat substance abuse effectively. “Hence, for building a substance-free India, families must be strong as institutions,” he said.

Advertisement

The PM was addressing ‘Ashwamedha Yagya’, organised by the Gayatri Parivar through a video message. He started with his dilemma to get associated with an ‘Ashwamedh Yagya’ in the light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as that could be misinterpreted. However, he said, “When I saw the Ashwamedha Yagya to uphold the sentiments of Acharya Shri Ram Sharma and infusing it with new meaning, my doubts melted away”

Mr Modi acknowledged the role of Gayatri Parivar’s role in steering millions of youth away from addiction and towards nation-building activities. “Youth are the future of our nation,” he emphasised, recognising their pivotal role in shaping India’s destiny and contributing to its development.

He also highlighted the imperative to protect the youth from the grip of addiction and provide support to those already affected. “Addiction wreaks havoc on individuals and societies, causing immense damage,” the PM underscored, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the nationwide initiative for a Drug-Free India launched 3-4 years ago which engaged more than 11 crore people.

The PM also spoke about the extensive outreach efforts including bike rallies, oath-taking ceremonies, and street plays conducted in collaboration with social and religious organisations.

”As we integrate our youth with larger national and global initiatives, they will steer clear of small wrongdoings,” he remarked, highlighting the youth’s pivotal role in achieving the goals of a ‘Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

“The theme of the G-20 summit under India’s presidency, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ exemplifies our shared human values and aspirations,” the PM stated, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in global initiatives such as ‘One sun, one world, one grid’ and ‘One world, one health.’

“In such national and global campaigns, the more we involve our youth, the more they will stay away from the wrong path,” he said.

Speaking on the government’s focus on sports and science, Mr Modi remarked, “The success of Chandrayaan has sparked a new interest in technology among the youth.” He emphasised the transformative impact of such initiatives in channeling the energy of the youth in the right direction. He said that initiatives like the Fit India Movement and the Khelo India will motivate the youth and “a motivated youth cannot turn towards substance abuse.”