Youth Spiritual Summit focuses on Drug-Free India
Kashi Declaration for Drug-Free India Gains Momentum: In a major step toward youth-led reforms, the Youth Spiritual Summit recently witnessed the adoption of the Kashi Declaration, forming the foundation for a national anti-drug movement. Organized under the broader Mera Yuva (MY) Bharat initiative, the summit emphasizes a spiritual and institutional approach to tackle substance abuse.
Kashi Declaration outlines 5-year de-addiction vision
The Kashi Declaration lays out a five-year roadmap for a nationwide de-addiction campaign. It acknowledges substance abuse as a public health and societal issue, not just a criminal offense. The declaration commits to developing coordinated policies involving various ministries and youth organizations.
A Joint National Committee will be formed to monitor progress, along with annual reports and a national platform to link individuals with support services.
Spiritual and cultural integration in anti-drug efforts
The initiative stresses the integration of spiritual, educational, and cultural tools to address drug abuse at the community level. Youth engagement in value-based programs, community service, and digital outreach will be scaled up across regions. Static GK fact: Varanasi (Kashi), where the declaration was adopted, is one of the oldest living cities and a spiritual hub in India.
MY Bharat to lead youth mobilisation
MY Bharat is an autonomous body established by the Government of India to create a technology-powered platform for youth development. It now leads the charge in mobilizing young people to drive de-addiction movements through peer education and leadership.
Static GK Tip: MY Bharat was launched in 2023 to connect over 50 crore youth for national development initiatives.
Legal and policy framework supporting the initiative
India has long-standing laws like the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 and Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs Act, 1988. These are complemented by the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), 2018–25, and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, launched in 2020.
Drug abuse situation in India
The National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India (2019) shows 14.6% of Indians aged 10–75 are current alcohol users. Cannabis and opioids follow as the most commonly used drugs.
India’s location between the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan) and Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) makes it vulnerable to drug trafficking.
Root causes of rising addiction
The declaration recognizes that addiction is fuelled by:
- Social Factors: Peer pressure, family conflicts, and isolation
- Economic Factors: Poverty and unemployment
- Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, and trauma
- Academic/Work Pressure: High stress levels
- Geographic Risk: Easy availability due to proximity to drug-producing regions
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Kashi Declaration for Drug-Free India Gains Momentum:
| Topic | Detail |
| Kashi Declaration | Adopted at Youth Spiritual Summit 2025 for Drug-Free India |
| MY Bharat | Autonomous body launched in 2023 for youth development |
| NDPS Act | Enacted in 1985 to regulate narcotics and psychotropic substances |
| NAPDDR | Policy initiative from 2018 to 2025 to reduce drug demand |
| Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan | Launched in 2020 under MoSJE |
| Alcohol Use Prevalence | 14.6% among people aged 10–75 |
| Major Drugs in Use | Cannabis, opioids (heroin), alcohol |
| High-Risk Zones | India lies between Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle |
| Key Driving Factors | Mental health, unemployment, peer pressure |
| Joint National Committee | Proposed for coordinating anti-drug efforts |
