This Shillong event has brought back one uncomfortable topic again — substance abuse among youth in India . And honestly,when minister has to speak about this in such direct way,it shows problem is not small ah .
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse was speaking at "Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat – Purvottar" programme organized by MY Bharat . Her main point was simple but heavy: if India wants to build developed India by 2047,young people have to be protected first.
And she did not treat substance abuse like one private family issue only . Khadse said it should be seen as wider social concern,where community,government,organizations and institutions all have role. Her words were,"We must collectively take forward the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan in mission mode,".
That line says lot actually . Because addiction is not something one speech can fix. It needs people around youth to notice early signs,give better options and not leave families alone when things go wrong .
Few points stood out clearly from her address:
- Sports can help keep youth away from substance abuse by giving them stronger direction .
- Cultural and spiritual programmes can push young people toward constructive engagement.
- MY Bharat wants these initiatives to reach every district and demographic.
Khadse also spoke about youth officers and partner organizations taking this work deeper,not just keeping it at event level . MY Bharat platform is being used to connect youth with national development initiatives and social challenges,and that part actually makes sense if it reaches ground properly .
But tbh,sports and cultural activities sound good on paper,but real test is whether rural areas,small towns and vulnerable groups actually get access. Many times programmes exist,but young people who need them most are last ones to hear about them .
She also referred to earlier consultations held in Varanasi and recommendations under "Kashi Declaration" which are being actively pursued by Ministry . Khadse said Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports would keep working with NGOs and community stakeholders to improve awareness and outreach across country.
The gathering had representatives from 24 spiritual and social organizations along with youth officers and civil society leaders,with focus on Northeast region . By end,participants gave collective commitment toward youth-led initiatives for drug-free,healthier and socially empowered India under Viksit Bharat 2047.
And still,main question stays hanging… after speeches,commitments and declarations,will these efforts really reach young people before addiction reaches them first…
