Gandhinagar, Aug 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the nationwide 'Drug-Free Youth for Viksit Bharat Pledge Campaign', with Gujarat hosting the state-level programme at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar, where Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel urged young people to lead the fight against substance abuse as part of the vision of a developed India.
The programme, titled "Gen-Z Against Addiction – Drug-Free Youth for Viksit Bharat Pledge Campaign", was held as part of a nationwide initiative in which the Prime Minister addressed young people virtually, calling on them to contribute towards building a drug-free India.
At the Gandhinagar event, Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel interacted with participants and encouraged them to take the 'Drug-Free Youth – Viksit Bharat Pledge', stressing that a drug-free generation is essential to achieving the goal of "Viksit Bharat".
Responding to questions from young participants, the Governor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had envisioned a "Drug-Free Developed India" and was working continuously towards that objective.
"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, saying they should develop an "addiction" to water conservation, environmental protection and respecting elders.
Referring to Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagat Singh, he said young people should embrace the spirit of dedication to the nation that made these leaders enduring inspirations.
Answering another question on his natural farming campaign, Acharya Devvrat said he regularly visited remote villages across Gujarat, stayed overnight with farmers and encouraged tree plantation on one acre of Panchayat wasteland under the Prime Minister's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.
"Each tree was linked to a local family to ensure its long-term care, with monthly photographs and videos collected to monitor progress," he noted.
The Governor also said he visited Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households, shared meals with families and discussed education, de-addiction and natural farming with villagers.
He said the harmful effects of chemical fertilisers on soil, the environment and human health had encouraged nearly 8.5 lakh farmers in Gujarat to adopt natural farming.
During the interaction, a My Bharat volunteer asked Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel about measures to involve more young people in the anti-drug campaign.
Welcoming the suggestion, CM Patel said the government was committed to transforming the campaign into a people's movement to ensure young people remained free from addiction and contributed to building a developed India.
"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 everyone should work together to realise the vision outlined during the programme.
The nationwide campaign saw the participation of Governors from 26 states, including Gujarat, and Chief Ministers from 11 states. Young participants across the country took the anti-drug pledge during the programme.
An awareness film on substance abuse was screened, followed by a street play highlighting the importance of preventing drug addiction and promoting responsible citizenship.
Addressing the gathering, My Bharat State Director Sachin Sharma said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Viksit Yuva, Viksit Bharat", the organisation had connected with more than 2.5 crore young people across the country, including over 9 lakh in Gujarat.
"The campaign aimed to strengthen positive thinking, responsibility and the spirit of national service among youth so they could play a leading role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Thousands of programmes were being organised across the country with participation from lakhs of young people," he emphasised.
Source: IANS
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