Governor and Chief Minister Launch Nationwide Anti-Drug Campaign in

Itanagar, India Aug 3, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 2 Aug: Governor KT Parnaik participated in the virtual interaction with the youth of the nation and the launch of the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from the Lok Bhavan here on Sunday.

The prime minister launched the 100-week nationwide jan bhagidari campaign and addressed more than one crore young people from over 10,000 locations across the country, including educational institutions and youth centres. The nationwide programme highlighted the critical role of the youth in building a drug-free, healthy, and developed India and reinforced the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Following the virtual interaction, the governor held discussions with officials and called for a sustained people-centric campaign against substance abuse. He proposed organising “nasha mukt street shows” every Sunday in the state for the next 100 days to create widespread awareness and mobilise communities, particularly young people, against the menace of drugs.

Emphasising the importance of community participation, the governor advocated a “detect-counsel-prevent-skill” approach at the grassroots level. He urged gaon buras, community elders, and panchayat leaders to identify vulnerable youths, counsel affected families, and help prevent drug abuse in villages.

Highlighting the need for a multi-pronged strategy, the governor stressed skill development, productive youth engagement, and greater participation in games and sports as effective tools for prevention. He also emphasised the use of technology and intelligence-based surveillance to identify drug trafficking routes, networks, and distributors.

Calling for strict enforcement of the law, the governor stated that those involved in drug-related offences must be dealt with firmly under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and other relevant laws to safeguard the future of the nation’s youth.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday joined Prime Minister Modi’s virtual launch of the nationwide ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ from Tawang.

Speaking at the launch, Khandu urged the youth of the frontier state to become active ambassadors in the movement against substance abuse.

The 100-week campaign, spearheaded by the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, commenced with over one crore young people across more than 10,000 locations taking a collective pledge to stay away from drugs and dedicate themselves to nation-building.

Launching the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country’s youth must be mentally and physically fit, for which it is necessary for them to stay away from all kinds of substance abuse.

He asked the country’s youth to take a pledge against substance abuse, saying drugs can give them a “high” for some time, but would make their entire career and personal life “low.”

Highlighting the transformative nature of the campaign, Khandu in a social media post wrote that India, under PM Modi’s visionary leadership, has turned the fight against drug abuse into a true ‘jan bhagidari’ (people’s movement).

“I urge every youth in to become an ambassador of this movement and encourage their families, friends, and communities to choose a healthy, disciplined, and drug-free life,” Khandu said.

The initiative will see weekly Sunday activities, including sports events, walkathons, cultural programmes, and community engagement campaigns to be held across all states and union territories over the next 100 weeks to ensure sustained momentum against drug addiction.

In East Siang district, the University (APU) joined the rest of the country in observing Nasha Mukt Bharat, with the university organising a special programme on campus to mark the occasion and reaffirm its commitment to a drug-free society.

Addressing the gathering, APU Assistant Registrar (Academics) Likha Rinchin said the observance was a reminder that a drug-free nation begins with drug-free campuses, and that universities have a special responsibility to nurture young minds away from the influence of substance abuse.

He called for coordinated efforts by the administration, faculty members, students, and the wider community of Pasighat to keep both the university and the society free from the menace of drugs.

Academic Affairs Dean Prof Jena said that Nasha Mukt Bharat is not merely an administrative agenda but a vision aimed at empowering society to stand firmly against drugs and substance abuse. He urged the teaching community to take up the responsibility of sensitising students to the ill effects of substance use both inside and outside the classrooms.

Anti-Tobacco Cell chairperson Ngurang Mana administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge to the gathering, with students, faculty members, and staff taking the oath to remain free from drugs and tobacco and to actively discourage their use in the campus community.

In her address, Mana reiterated that APU is a completely tobacco-free campus, and appealed to all members of the university community, especially students, to use common spaces such as restrooms responsibly and refrain from any form of tobacco or substance use on campus premises.

Commerce Assistant Professor Dr Yab Rajiv Camdir advised students to channel their energy and enthusiasm into productive pursuits, urging them to be addicted instead to studies, sports, and good health. He said the discipline required to excel academically is the same discipline that keeps a person away from harmful habits.

Following this, the gathering joined the nation in watching the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan through videoconference.

Among others, the programme was attended by Registrar Narmi Darang, Student Welfare Dean Dr Eli Doye, Finance AR Anil Nangkar, heads of departments, faculty members and staff, students, and research scholars.

Also in headquarters Pasighat, Women Against Social Evils (WASE) virtually participated in the launch of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The WASE members reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the campaign against drug abuse by promoting awareness against substance abuse and encouraging community participation across the district.

In Nirjuli, Mera Yuva Bharat Itanagar organised the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan at the NERIST on Sunday.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of more than 520 youths, who came together to reaffirm their commitment to building a drug-free and progressive nation.

The highlight of the programme was the Nasha Mukti pledge, which was administered by Itanagar Capital Region Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu.

Speaking on the occasion, the deputy commissioner appreciated the active role of MY Bharat officers and volunteers in spreading the campaign and making it a national success. He urged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to combating drug abuse. He emphasised that active involvement of young people is essential for creating a safe, healthy, and prosperous society.

The event included cultural performances and youth engagement activities that reinforced the message of unity, social responsibility, and collective action against drug abuse. Participants pledged to spread awareness within their communities and encourage others to adopt a healthy and positive lifestyle.

The programme was organised by District Youth Officer Vineeta Chaudhary, under the supervision of State Director Dr Salam D Singh, in coordination with the NERIST.

In West Kameng district, as part of the nationwide ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, an awareness-cum-youth interaction programme was organised at the DC’s conference hall in Bomdila on Sunday.

MY Bharat volunteers, NCC cadets, and students of educational institutions participated in the programme. The participants took the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, reaffirming their commitment to combating substance abuse and promoting a healthy, responsible, and drug-free society.

In his address, Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar emphasised that the nation’s progress towards a Viksit Bharat rests on the strength and well-being of its youth. He called upon young people to become ambassadors of a drug-free society, and urged all stakeholders to work collectively to eradicate substance abuse and safeguard the nation’s future.

The programme was attended by the DDSE, the DMO, the Kalaktang SDPO, the town magistrate, and other district officials.

The programme culminated with the live telecast of the prime minister’s address under the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan.

In Upper Siang, the district administration joined the rest of the nation in witnessing the launch of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign, at the Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) in Yingkiong.

The programme witnessed the live address of the prime minister during the launch of the Nasha Mukt Yuva Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan.

Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang, accompanied by SP Token Saring, HoDs, principals, headmasters, teachers, and students of GHSS Yingkiong, Town Secondary School, Parsing Secondary School, and VKV Yingkiong attended the programme and reaffirmed their commitment to building a drug-free society.

Addressing the gathering, the deputy commissioner highlighted the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 15 August, 2020 to eradicate substance abuse through community participation, mass awareness, and rehabilitation. He said the campaign aligns with the prime minister’s vision of creating a drug-free youth population as the foundation of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The DC urged educational institutions to regularly discuss the ill effects of substance abuse during morning assemblies and organise special classes. He also emphasised the need for periodic drug testing of teachers and students, in coordination with the Health Department, as part of awareness, prevention, and monitoring initiatives.

GHSS Yingkiong Principal Lutni Perme spoke on the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of remaining vigilant against addiction. Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Jayanta Perme highlighted various forms of addiction, with special emphasis on the growing concern of alcohol abuse among the youths.

The SP in his address underscored the importance of creating widespread awareness to keep young people physically fit, mentally strong, and free from the influence of drugs.

District Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Karo Teng administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan pledge and briefed the participants on the services available at the district drug de-addiction centre.

In West Siang district, MY Bharat, West Siang, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, organised the district-level programme under the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan at Ramakrishna Mission School (RKMS) in Aalo, in association with Ramakrishna Mission, Aalo.

The event was attended by, among others, North East Frontier Technical University Vice-Chancellor Tejum Padu and RKMS Principal Swayamprabhananda.

Their inspiring addresses highlighted the crucial role of young people in nation-building, and emphasised the importance of adopting a healthy, disciplined, and drug-free lifestyle.

Students, faculty members, NSS unit, and youth participants joined the live virtual interaction with the prime minister.

In Lower Siang district, an awareness-cum-youth interaction programme was held at the GHSS in Likabali as part of the nationwide Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan.

The programme was organised by the district administration, in collaboration with the Police and Health Departments, in support of the national campaign aimed at mobilising the youths towards a Nasha Mukt Bharat.

Students, teachers, government officials, and other stakeholders participated in the programme. The participants also took the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, reaffirming their commitment to combating substance abuse and promoting a healthy, responsible, and drug-free society.

Addressing the gathering, DC Gobi Nyicyor emphasised that the progress of the nation towards a Viksit Bharat is closely linked with the health, well-being, and constructive participation of its youths. He called upon young people to become ambassadors of a drug-free society, and urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant and work collectively to prevent substance abuse and safeguard the future of the younger generation.

The programme was attended by SP Bomken Basar, along with HoDs and other officials.

The programme aimed to sensitise young people to the harmful effects of drug abuse and substance addiction, while encouraging them to contribute actively towards building a healthy, responsible, and drug-free society.