Anti-drug campaign: Union Minister urges youth to become ambassadors of change

NT Reporter

Panaji

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday reiterated their commitment to a drug-free India and Goa at a programme marking five years of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) in Bambolim.

“As the country is moving ahead aiming Viksit Bharat 2047, the Nasha Mukt Bharat 2047 is an important part of the mission as that is directly connected with the youth of this country. The state of Goa will be very much part of the mission by becoming Nasha Mukt Goa by 2037,” said Sawant.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India,
organised the event in
collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of Goa, at the
Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium on Friday.
Held on the theme ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat, Khushhaal Bharat’, the programme brought together policymakers, youth, civil society representatives, students and other stakeholders.

“Crores of people have benefitted from the consistent campaign run by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment across the country. The participation of youth, volunteers, NGOs, government departments and religious organisations in the campaigns has been amazing. I congratulate the Goa government and the social welfare department for organising this mega event by bringing together scores of people from all walks of life,” said Kumar.

Kumar said the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is not merely a campaign but a nationwide people’s movement aimed at safeguarding youth and strengthening families and communities. He said coordinated efforts among central and state governments, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies and community organisations are essential and called upon youth to become ambassadors of change.

Sawant said the state government remains committed to the objectives of NMBA and stressed the need for sustained awareness drives, community participation and rehabilitation mechanisms. “The attitude of ‘let me just try it once’ often leads to drug addiction. I want the youth of Goa to stay away from that attitude. Parents of addicted kids should not hesitate to approach de-addiction centres. The anti-narcotic cell of the Goa police is constantly monitoring drug trade in the state and
we have destroyed seized drugs worth crores of rupees in last seven-eight years,” he said.

Kumar also administered a pledge against drug abuse, urging citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing substance misuse.

The programme featured a youth rally, cultural performances including a Dekhni dance and a street play highlighting the harmful effects of drug abuse, and felicitation of recovered drug users, master volunteers and competition winners.