New Delhi/Varanasi- The holy city of Varanasi has become the epicenter of a powerful youth-led spiritual movement, as the ‘Yuva Spiritual Summit’ began at the Rudraksh Convention Centre with the resounding theme ‘Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India.’ Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the two-day summit has brought together over 600 young participants representing 122 spiritual and socio-cultural organizations from across the country.
Inaugurating the event, Union Minister for Youth Affairs, Sports, Labour, and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted the critical role of India’s youth in shaping the nation’s future. Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Panch Pran’ pledge from the Red Fort on Independence Day 2022, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 is only possible if the youth stay clear of substance abuse, screen addiction, and passive lifestyles.
“India can only become a developed nation if our youth stay away from drugs, mobile addiction, and the reel culture,” said Dr. Mandaviya. He warned that addictions are not just personal issues but major roadblocks to national progress, as they rob young people of their potential at a crucial phase of life.
Calling for a nationwide movement, the minister urged spiritual leaders, community influencers, and social organizations to actively engage in anti-drug awareness campaigns. “A single workshop or speech isn’t enough. Every citizen must take a pledge to inspire at least five others to say no to drugs,” he asserted, adding that youth must be seen not just as passive beneficiaries but as active architects of India’s future.
The summit includes four in-depth thematic sessions focused on key issues: understanding the psychological and societal impact of addiction; dismantling drug trafficking networks; creating compelling outreach campaigns; and building a long-term, sustainable commitment to a drug-free India. Through expert talks, interactive panels, and collaborative sessions, youth delegates are directly contributing to shaping a national-level strategy.
The highlight of the event will be the release of the ‘Kashi Declaration’ on July 20—a collective resolution that outlines the shared vision of the youth and spiritual communities. This document will serve as a blueprint for action, offering guidance to policymakers, NGOs, educational institutions, and youth platforms working in the de-addiction and rehabilitation space.
With Varanasi as the spiritual backdrop and youth as the driving force, the Yuva Spiritual Summit marks a bold step in transforming India’s social fabric—placing the power of discipline, awareness, and collective responsibility at the heart of national development.
