Youth Spiritual Summit Concludes in Varanasi with Kashi Declaration for a Drug-Free India

New Delhi: The three-day Youth Spiritual Summit, themed Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat (Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India), concluded on Sunday at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi with the adoption of the transformative Kashi Declaration. This landmark resolution sets a visionary five-year roadmap for a nationwide, youth-led anti-drug campaign, aiming to create a drug-free society by 2047. Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Mera Yuva (MY) Bharat framework, the summit brought together over 600 youth leaders from more than 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organizations, alongside academicians, domain experts, and government representatives, to address the pressing issue of substance abuse in India.

A National Consensus on Substance Abuse

The Kashi Declaration establishes a national consensus to treat substance abuse as a multifaceted public health and societal challenge. It advocates for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, integrating spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological efforts to combat addiction. The declaration proposes several institutional mechanisms to ensure effective coordination and measurable progress, including:

• Formation of a Joint National Committee: This committee will facilitate multi-ministerial coordination to streamline anti-drug initiatives across various government bodies.
• Annual Progress Reporting: A system for regular monitoring and reporting to ensure accountability and track the campaign’s impact.
• National Support Platform: A centralized platform to connect individuals affected by substance abuse with rehabilitation and support services.

The declaration emphasizes the pivotal role of spiritual institutions, which Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, described as the “backbone” of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat initiative. Speaking at the summit, Dr. Mandaviya said, “Bharat’s spiritual strength has always guided Bharat through its crises. This is why spiritual institutions must now lead the charge in creating a drug-free generation.”

Summit Highlights and Key Discussions

The Youth Spiritual Summit featured four plenary sessions that delved into critical aspects of the drug abuse crisis:

1. Psychological and Societal Impacts of Drug Abuse: Discussions highlighted the mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, that often drive individuals toward substance abuse, particularly among youth.
2. Drug Trafficking and Supply Chains: Experts analyzed the complexities of illicit drug networks, emphasizing the need for robust law enforcement and international cooperation.
3. Grassroots Awareness Strategies: Participants explored innovative ways to raise awareness at the community level, including youth-led campaigns and educational programs.
4. Role of Spiritual and Cultural Institutions: The sessions underscored the importance of leveraging India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage to promote prevention and rehabilitation.

These deliberations culminated in the Kashi Declaration, which Dr. Mandaviya described as a “shared Sankalp (resolve)” for the youth of Bharat. “The Kashi Declaration is not just a document but a collective commitment to national transformation,” he stated, emphasizing its role as a guiding charter for the anti-drug movement.

Spiritual and Cultural Roots of the Campaign

The summit’s location in Varanasi, often referred to as the spiritual capital of India, added profound significance to the event. Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, addressing the concluding session, invoked the city’s cultural sanctity, stating, “This sacred land of Kashi is the cradle of Sanatan Chetna, where discipline and values guide life’s journey toward moksha. We are sowing seeds that will one day grow into a strong tree of national transformation.”

Governor Shukla warned that with 65% of India’s population being youth, the nation cannot afford to let addiction undermine its future. “Only those who break free from it will be able to build the future,” he said, urging young leaders to take responsibility for driving change.

Government Initiatives to Combat Drug Abuse

The Kashi Declaration builds on existing government efforts to address substance abuse in India. Key initiatives include:

• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985: A legislative framework to regulate and control narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
• Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988: Aimed at curbing illicit trafficking of drugs.
• National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), 2018-25: A comprehensive plan focusing on reducing drug demand through education, awareness, and rehabilitation.
• Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), 2020: A nationwide campaign to promote a drug-free India through community engagement and youth involvement.

These initiatives, combined with the Kashi Declaration’s roadmap, aim to create a synergistic approach to tackling drug abuse.

The Role of Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)

The summit was organized under the MY Bharat framework, an autonomous body established by the Government of India to empower youth development through technology-driven platforms. MY Bharat volunteers and affiliated youth clubs will spearhead the implementation of the Kashi Declaration through pledge campaigns, awareness drives, and grassroots outreach. The declaration’s progress will be reviewed at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in 2026, ensuring accountability and sustained impact.

Key Figures at the Summit

The summit saw participation from several prominent leaders, including:

• Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, who emphasized the critical role of spiritual institutions in the anti-drug campaign.
• Shiv Pratap Shukla, Governor of Himachal Pradesh, who highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of the movement.
• Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for 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.

Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to addressing drug abuse as a national priority.

Drug Abuse in India: A Growing Concern

According to the National Survey on Substance Use (2019), 14.6% of Indians aged 10 to 75 are current users of alcohol, making it the most prevalent substance. Cannabis and opioids, such as heroin, are the next most commonly used substances. Several factors contribute to the drug abuse crisis in India:

• Social Factors: Peer pressure, family conflicts, and social isolation.
• Economic Factors: Unemployment and poverty, which increase vulnerability to addiction.
• Psychological Factors: Mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
• Academic and Work Stress: High-pressure environments in education and employment, particularly affecting youth.
• Geographical Vulnerability: India’s location between the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan) and Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos) makes it a transit hub for illicit drugs.

These factors highlight the need for a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach, as outlined in the Kashi Declaration.

India-EFTA Trade Agreement: A Parallel Development

While not directly related to the summit, the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), set to take effect on October 1, 2025, was highlighted in the context of India’s broader economic strategy. Signed in March 2024, TEPA involves the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries—Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. Key provisions include:

• Investment Commitment: A binding commitment of $100 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and 1 million direct jobs in India over the next 15 years.
• Market Access: EFTA offers market access for 100% of non-agricultural products and tariff concessions on processed agricultural products, while India will reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95.3% of EFTA exports.
• Tariff Reductions: EFTA will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 99.6% of India’s exports, with exclusions for sensitive sectors like dairy, soya, and coal.
• Trade Relations: In 2024–25, India-EFTA trade totaled $24.4 billion, with Switzerland being India’s largest EFTA trading partner, followed by Norway. A significant trade deficit exists, largely due to gold imports from Switzerland.

The agreement also includes commitments on intellectual property rights and mutual recognition agreements in professional services, such as nursing.

The Path Forward

The Youth Spiritual Summit and the Kashi Declaration mark a significant step toward a drug-free India. By uniting spiritual, cultural, and technological efforts, the initiative aims to empower youth to lead the charge against addiction. The declaration’s emphasis on collaboration, accountability, and grassroots action ensures that the campaign will have a lasting impact.

As Dr. Mandaviya stated, “The youth are the architects of a developed India. Through the Kashi Sankalp Patra, we are laying the foundation for a drug-free future.” With the MY Bharat framework driving implementation and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 set to review progress, the Kashi Declaration is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s fight against substance abuse.

The summit’s success in uniting diverse stakeholders—from spiritual leaders to government officials—demonstrates the power of collective action. As Governor Shukla aptly noted, “A nation where 65% of the population is youth cannot afford to fall into addiction.” With the Kashi Declaration as its guiding light, India is taking bold steps toward a healthier, stronger, and drug-free future.

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