JULY 20: The Youth Spiritual Summit, held at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi, concluded today with the formal unveiling of the Kashi Declaration — a landmark 5-year roadmap aimed at building a Nasha Mukt Yuva (Drug-Free Youth) as part of the Viksit Bharat vision for 2047.
Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit brought together over 600 youth leaders representing more than 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, alongside policy experts, educators, and government officials. Over three days, participants engaged in in-depth discussions across four plenary sessions focusing on addiction’s psychological, societal, and logistical dimensions, as well as the role of spiritual institutions in prevention and rehabilitation.
The Kashi Declaration, emerging from these deliberations, outlines a strategic, multi-stakeholder approach to addressing substance abuse. It calls for a whole-of-society and whole-of-government response, integrating efforts across spiritual, educational, cultural, and technological platforms. Key proposals include the creation of a Joint National Committee, annual progress reviews, and a national portal to link individuals with support services.
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that the declaration is not just a document but a “shared Sankalp” (resolve) rooted in India’s spiritual heritage. “Spiritual institutions will now form the backbone of this Maha Abhiyan,” he stated.
Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, highlighted the symbolic power of Kashi, calling it the “cradle of Sanatan Chetna,” and warned that India’s youth must rise above addiction to shape a brighter future.
The summit featured contributions from several dignitaries, including Shri Nitin Agarwal, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Smt. Raksha Khadse, and others. Key concerns raised included the influence of digital media on school children and the need for stronger grassroots awareness.
Under the MY Bharat initiative, affiliated youth clubs will now spearhead pledge drives and awareness campaigns nationwide. Progress on the declaration’s goals will be reviewed during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, ensuring continued momentum toward a drug-free India.
