Governor Addresses Youth Spiritual Summit in Kashi; Launches Five-Year Roadmap for Drug-Free India
Shimla, July 20:
The Youth Spiritual Summit on the theme “Drug-Free Youth – Developed India” concluded today at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Kashi, with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration. Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit witnessed participation from over 600 youth leaders and representatives from more than 120 spiritual, social, and cultural organizations, along with academics and subject experts.
This gathering marks a decisive step in India’s journey towards a drug-free society by 2047. Addressing the closing session, Hon’ble Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla reflected on Kashi’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy, calling it the cradle of Sanatan consciousness. He remarked, “This sacred land lights the path to liberation through discipline and values. Today, we are not just assembled here—we are sowing the seeds of nation-building that will grow into mighty trees, strengthening India in the years to come.”
The Governor issued a cautionary note, stating that in a country where nearly 65% of the population is young, the danger of drug addiction is a national concern. “The future belongs only to those who can break free from this trap,” he said. Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s Raj Bhavan-led Drug-Free Himachal Campaign, he shared how the state is engaging panchayats, women’s groups, youth clubs, educational institutions, and NGOs as active partners in the awareness and prevention drive.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized that the Kashi Declaration is not merely a document, but a collective pledge of India’s youth. “Over the past three days, we have engaged in deep reflection. This declaration is the essence of our dialogue, and it will guide us in building a drug-free and developed India,” he said.
Several distinguished guests participated in the closing ceremony. The keynote address was delivered by Nitin Agrawal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Excise and Prohibition, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The Kashi Declaration stresses a multidimensional approach to drug addiction, treating it as both a social and public health issue. It calls for coordinated efforts between government and civil society, emphasizing spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological collaboration for de-addiction, rehabilitation, and the promotion of a culture of restraint.
The declaration also proposes an institutional framework for inter-ministerial coordination, including the establishment of a Joint National Committee, annual progress reporting, and a national platform to connect affected individuals with support services.
During the summit, several Union Ministers participated in key sessions, including Dr. Virendra Kumar (Social Justice and Empowerment), Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Culture and Tourism), Anil Rajbhar (Minister of State for Labour and Employment), Nityanand Rai (Minister of State for Home Affairs), Raksha Nikhil Khadse (Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports), and Girish Chandra Yadav (Sports Minister, Uttar Pradesh). Raksha Nikhil Khadse highlighted the misuse of digital platforms targeting school children and reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
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