Kashi Declaration for Drug-Free India launched at Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi

IN NEWS:

Kashi Declaration for Drug-Free India launched at Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi

UPSC STYLE ANALYSIS

• Event Overview:
  • The Youth Spiritual Summit, held under the theme “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat”, concluded at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre, Varanasi.
  • The summit culminated in the adoption of the Kashi Declaration for Drug-Free India, a comprehensive framework to mobilize youth and spiritual organisations in combating substance abuse.
• Organisers and Participants:
  • Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS).
  • Brought together over 600 youth leaders from 120+ spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, along with policymakers, academicians, and experts.
• Focus Areas of the Summit:
  • The four thematic plenary sessions explored:
    1. Psychological and social impacts of substance abuse.
    2. Drug trafficking and supply-chain challenges.
    3. Grassroots awareness and community participation.
    4. Role of spiritual and cultural institutions in prevention and rehabilitation.
• Kashi Declaration Highlights:
  • Envisions a drug-free India by 2047, rooted in spiritual and cultural values.
  • Recommends:
    • A whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
    • Establishment of a Joint National Committee for inter-ministerial coordination.
    • Annual progress reports to monitor implementation.
    • A national digital platform connecting affected individuals with support and rehabilitation networks.
  • Emphasizes spiritual empowerment and community engagement as key tools in addressing addiction.
• Leaders’ Statements:
  • Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports):
    • Described the Kashi Declaration as a “collective Sankalp (resolve)”, blending reflection with national action.
    • Emphasized that spiritual institutions must lead the Maha Abhiyan for Nasha Mukt Bharat.
  • Shiv Pratap Shukla (Governor of Himachal Pradesh):
    • Referred to Kashi as the “cradle of Sanatan Chetna”, linking values and discipline to nation-building.
    • Urged that a youth-driven nation cannot afford the burden of addiction.
• Government Representation:
  • Dignitaries included Virendra Kumar, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Anil Rajbhar, Nityanand Rai, and Raksha Nikhil Khadse.
  • The event aligned with the MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) framework, mobilizing volunteers for awareness and pledge campaigns nationwide.
• Strategic Vision:
  • The Kashi Declaration serves as a national policy roadmapcombining:
    • Spiritual leadership,
    • Public health frameworks, and
    • Youth mobilisation.
  • Its progress will be reviewed at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, ensuring monitoring and accountability.

STATIC PART (FOR UPSC REVISION)

• MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat):
  • A government initiative to institutionalize youth engagement in nation-building.
  • Promotes volunteerism, civic action, and leadership among young citizens.
• Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA):
  • A flagship initiative under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
  • Focuses on awareness, counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation to eliminate substance abuse.
• Role of Spiritual Institutions:
  • Serve as community anchors for behavioural transformation and value-based awareness.
  • Provide rehabilitative guidance rooted in India’s spiritual traditions.
• Varanasi (Kashi):
  • Recognized as a spiritual capital of India, symbolizing cultural continuity and ethical revivalism.
  • Frequently hosts national-level youth and cultural summits aimed at value-based social reform.

Updated – 21 Jul 2025 ; 11:15 AM | News Source: DD News