Gujarat Hosts State Launch of Anti-Drug Youth Campaign

At the Gandhinagar programme, the Governor and the Chief Minister interacted with participants and encouraged them to take the ‘Drug-Free Youth – Viksit Bharat’ pledge. Both stressed that a drug-free generation is essential to realising the vision of a developed India.

Responding to questions from young participants, Governor Acharya Devvrat said the Prime Minister had envisioned a “Drug-Free Developed India” and continued to work towards that goal. “India must become not only a developed nation but also a drug-free nation. The country’s greatest asset is its youth,” he said.

He urged young people to replace harmful addictions with constructive pursuits, including an “addiction” to water conservation, environmental protection and respect for elders. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagat Singh, he called on the youth to draw inspiration from their dedication to the nation.

On his natural farming campaign, the Governor said he regularly visited remote villages, stayed with farmers and encouraged tree plantation on Panchayat wasteland under the Prime Minister’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. Each tree was linked to a local family for long-term care, with progress monitored through monthly photographs and videos. He also said nearly 8.5 lakh farmers in Gujarat had adopted natural farming after becoming aware of the harmful effects of chemical fertilisers on soil, the environment and health.

When a My Bharat volunteer asked about involving more young people in the anti-drug effort, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel welcomed the suggestion. He said the government was committed to turning the campaign into a people’s movement so that youth remain free from addiction and contribute to national development.

“The ‘Drug-Free Youth for Viksit Bharat Pledge Campaign’ should become a people’s movement in Gujarat. The spirit of ‘My Bharat’ should not be centred on self but on the nation,” he said, adding that collective effort was needed to realise the vision outlined during the programme.

The nationwide campaign saw participation from Governors of 26 states, including Gujarat, and Chief Ministers of 11 states. Young people across the country took the anti-drug pledge. An awareness film on substance abuse was screened, followed by a street play highlighting prevention and responsible citizenship.

My Bharat State Director Sachin Sharma said the organisation had connected with more than 2.5 crore young people nationally, including over 9 lakh in Gujarat, under the vision of “Viksit Yuva, Viksit Bharat.” Thousands of programmes were being organised to strengthen positive thinking, responsibility and the spirit of national service among the youth ahead of the 2047 goal.

The Gujarat event reinforced the message that sustained youth participation, combined with awareness and community involvement, is central to the anti-drug campaign.