‘Yuva Spiritual Summit’ Begins in Varanasi with Call for Drug-Free, Developed India by 2047
Varanasi, July 19: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has inaugurated the ‘Yuva Spiritual Summit’ at the Rudraksh Convention Centre in Varanasi, bringing together more than 600 youth delegates from 122 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations across India. Themed ‘Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India’, the summit seeks to mobilise young minds and spiritual leadership toward combating substance abuse and realising the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Delivering the keynote address, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya underscored that India’s dream of becoming a developed nation hinges on the well-being and direction of its youth, who make up 65% of the population under 35. He cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Panch Pran’ vision for Amrit Kaal, announced during the 76th Independence Day address in 2022, as a guiding framework for national transformation.
“India can become developed only if our youth stay away from drugs, as well as addiction to mobile phones and reels,” Dr. Mandaviya said.
He warned that substance abuse is one of the gravest challenges facing Indian youth today, ensnaring them at a critical life stage and impeding national progress. He stressed that the fight against addiction requires a collective societal movement, rather than isolated campaigns.
A National Call for Collective Action
Dr. Mandaviya appealed to religious and social leaders to become active partners in the anti-drug movement, urging them to leverage their community influence to spread awareness and promote healthy lifestyles. “A single camp is not enough. Each person must pledge to inspire five others,” he said, framing it as a grassroots movement with ripple effects.
The summit will conclude on July 20 with the release of the ‘Kashi Declaration’—a document encapsulating the shared vision and actionable strategies agreed upon during the event. This charter is expected to serve as a reference framework for policymakers, youth organisations, and de-addiction initiatives nationwide.
Thematic Focus Areas
The two-day programme includes four thematic sessions aimed at fostering deep, solution-oriented dialogue:
- Understanding the nature and impact of addiction on youth
- Strategies to disrupt drug trafficking and commercial networks
- Designing impactful outreach campaigns
- Building long-term commitment for a drug-free India by 2047
Sessions are being conducted through expert talks, panel discussions, and interactive whiteboard platforms, encouraging active participation from every delegate.
Officials noted that the summit marks a pivotal convergence of spiritual insight, youth energy, and policy ambition—positioning it as a model of how moral leadership and civic engagement can be fused to tackle one of India’s most pressing social challenges.
