Union Minister Mandaviya Announces ‘Youth Spiritual Summit’ in Varanasi to Combat Drug Abuse

New Delhi, July 14, 2025 — Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, today announced the ‘Youth Spiritual Summit’ to be held in Varanasi from July 18 to 20, 2025, under the theme ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’. The summit aims to ignite the spiritual strength and leadership of Indian youth in building a drug-free society.

Addressing the press in New Delhi, Dr. Mandaviya stated, “Youth are the torchbearers of Amrit Kaal—the path to a Viksit Bharat by 2047. With 65% of our population under the age of 35, empowering them is key to India’s transformation.” However, he warned that substance abuse remains a major challenge, threatening the future of the nation’s youth and, consequently, national progress.

“From the sacred land of Kashi, a clarion call will be made against drug abuse,” he declared.

• 500 youth delegates from the youth wings of 100 spiritual organisations will gather along the ghats of the River Ganga in Varanasi.

• The summit will serve as a launchpad for a nationwide grassroots anti-drug movement (Jan Andolan).

• Culminating in the unveiling of the historic ‘Kashi Declaration’, the summit will present a national roadmap to achieve a drug-free India.

Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that the event is part of a broader initiative by the Government of India in collaboration with NGOs, educational institutions, and spiritual organisations to tackle drug abuse through a holistic and inclusive approach.

The three-day summit will feature four plenary sessions focusing on:

1. Understanding addiction and its psychological and societal impact on youth.

2. Strategies to dismantle drug peddler networks and commercial rackets.

3. Effective campaigning and digital outreach for awareness.

4. Framing a comprehensive action plan for a Nasha Mukt Bharat by 2047.

Each session will include keynote speeches by experts, panel discussions, and interactive whiteboard forums, ensuring every delegate plays a part in shaping the anti-drug roadmap.

In the spirit of youth-led initiatives, Dr. Mandaviya also announced a special Padyatra in Kargil on July 26, to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas. Organised by MY Bharat youth volunteers in collaboration with local youth and the Army, the march will pay tribute to the nation’s martyrs and promote the Fit India Movement.

All updates regarding the Youth Spiritual Summit and Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra will be available on the MY Bharat Platform.