‘Yuva Spiritual Summit’ begins in Varanasi

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Saturday launched a ‘Yuva Spiritual Summit’ in Varanasi with the theme ‘Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India’.

The two-day summit has brought together more than 600 young participants representing 122 spiritual and socio-cultural organizations from all over the country.

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Speaking at the event, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said that on 15 August 2022, during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his vision for the next 25 years through the ‘Panch Pran’ of Amrit Kaal. The minister emphasized that youth will play a vital role in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, as 65% of the population is under the age of 35.

Dr. Mandaviya stressed the importance of making India drug-free to achieve this vision. ”Our young generation must not only be seen as beneficiaries but also as changemakers who shape the future of the nation. However, substance abuse is one of the biggest threats facing youth today. Addiction is trapping them at a crucial point in life and posing a serious challenge to national progress,” he observed.

To make India a developed nation by 2047, he added, the youth must remain away from drugs, mobile phones and reels. The minister urged religious and social leaders to use their platforms to spread awareness among youth about staying away from addiction. He said a single camp or limited efforts are not enough; India needs a mass movement under which every citizen pledges to inspire at least five others to join the anti-drug campaign.

Dr. Mandaviya said the summit will lead to valuable discussions and meaningful outcomes. It will conclude on July 20th with the release of the ‘Kashi Declaration’, a document reflecting the collective vision and commitment of youth and spiritual leaders.

This document will offer a detailed action plan for building a drug-free India and act as a guiding charter for policymakers, civil society organizations, and youth networks working in the fields of de-addiction and rehabilitation.

The summit features four thematic sessions focused on key areas: understanding addiction and its impact on youth; breaking drug trafficking networks and commercial interests; designing effective campaigns and outreach strategies; and building a long-term commitment toward a drug-free India by 2047.

These sessions are being conducted through expert talks, guided panel discussions, and interactive whiteboard platforms, ensuring that every delegate actively contributes to shaping a comprehensive national strategy.