New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday put the spotlight on the fight against drug abuse, saying India’s ambition of becoming a developed nation cannot be achieved without ensuring that its young population remains free from addiction.
During the 137th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi spoke about the government’s Nasha-mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign and praised the growing participation of young people in the initiative.
He called on citizens, particularly content creators, to take the anti-drug message to wider audiences by creating material in different Indian languages.
‘Addiction affects entire families’
Modi stressed that the consequences of drug abuse extend beyond the individual and can affect families as well as society.
He appreciated organisations and individuals working to spread awareness and support people trying to overcome addiction. The Prime Minister also encouraged creators to develop short plays, songs and impactful slogans that warn young people about the dangers of narcotics while highlighting the possibility of recovery.
He said the broader objective was to build a country where young Indians could contribute to national development without being held back by substance abuse.
PM highlights patriotic significance of August
The address also touched upon the strong sense of national pride associated with August.
Modi referred to National Handloom Day, Independence Day and National Space Day, along with important historical occasions such as the Quit India Movement anniversary and Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.
He said the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign has further strengthened the emotional bond people share with the national flag.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, saying celebrations of the Tricolour had acquired an international dimension through initiatives such as Suryapath Tiranga.
Women entrepreneurs get a mention
Modi highlighted the contribution of the PM SVANidhi scheme, saying around 35 lakh women have benefited from the initiative in expanding their businesses.
He emphasised that supporting women entrepreneurs has an impact beyond their individual enterprises, as stronger businesses can improve the economic future of entire families.
Cleanliness and green initiatives
The Prime Minister urged citizens to keep their surroundings clean and cited youth-led cleanliness initiatives as examples of community participation.
He mentioned the ‘Clean-up Patwai’ campaign in Uttar Pradesh, where young volunteers worked on cleaning ponds and public areas.
Modi also referred to sanitation arrangements during the Amarnath Yatra, praising workers who served pilgrims along challenging routes.
A green initiative during the pilgrimage involved converting dung produced by horses and mules into biogas, which was subsequently used to power the ‘Swachh Jyot’.
Modi renews ‘Vocal for Local’ appeal
With the festive season approaching, Modi once again encouraged citizens to purchase locally manufactured and Indian-made goods.
He linked the appeal with the vision of a more self-reliant India and urged people to make domestic products a priority while shopping for the upcoming festivals.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to veteran actor Uttam Kumar, whose birth centenary will be marked on September 3.
Ending his monthly address, Modi said festivals serve not only as celebrations but also as occasions for people to strengthen their connection with India’s traditions and with one another.
