Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Raksha Khadse has called for a united, mission-mode people’s movement to tackle drug abuse among youth, while addressing the “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat – Purvottar” programme organised by MY Bharat at IIM Shillong.
She stressed that India’s youth are its greatest strength and must be guided through sustained community engagement, institutional support and positive opportunities to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Highlighting the seriousness of substance abuse, Khadse said it should be treated as a broader social challenge requiring coordinated action from government, civil society and grassroots organisations. She urged stakeholders to expand the reach of MY Bharat initiatives across districts and communities.
The Minister underlined that sports, culture and spiritual engagement can play a key role in steering young people away from addiction and towards constructive participation. She noted that several states in the North East, along with others like Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Goa, already have strong sports ecosystems that can be further strengthened.
Officials from the Department of Youth Affairs, MY Bharat, IIM Shillong and representatives of multiple social and spiritual organisations participated in the programme, which focused on strategies to expand anti-drug awareness and youth engagement.
Experts at the event also highlighted the role of sports, yoga, meditation and cultural activities in reducing stress and promoting discipline, teamwork and emotional well-being among students.
The programme concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen youth-led initiatives for a drug-free society and advance the vision of a healthier, empowered India by 2047.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
