Chief Secretary Chanchal Yadav Leads Anti-Drug Pledge in Andaman & Nicobar, Nearly 1,000 Youth Join ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’ Campaign
Sri Vijaya Puram – Reinforcing the national mission of building a drug-free India, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration organised the district-level programme of the nationwide ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, bringing together students, youth volunteers, educators, government officials and members of the public under one common objective. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation and highlighted the growing role of young people in creating awareness against substance abuse while promoting healthier and more responsible lifestyles.
The programme was held at the auditorium of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT) in Sri Vijaya Puram on Saturday. Organised in collaboration with MY Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, the campaign formed part of a nationwide initiative aimed at encouraging youth participation in the fight against drug addiction and supporting the larger vision of a developed and empowered India.
One of the most significant moments of the programme came when Chief Secretary Chanchal Yadav, a 2008-batch IAS officer, administered the Anti-Drug Pledge to students, volunteers and other participants. The pledge symbolised a collective commitment to reject substance abuse and actively contribute towards creating a healthier and safer society.
Chief Secretary Calls Upon Youth to Become Agents of Change
Addressing the gathering through the Anti-Drug Pledge, Chief Secretary Chanchal Yadav urged students and young citizens to remain alert to the dangers posed by narcotic substances. She encouraged them not only to stay away from drugs themselves but also to become ambassadors of awareness within their schools, colleges, families and neighbourhoods.
She emphasised that the country’s youth possess the energy and influence needed to bring meaningful social change. By spreading awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and inspiring others to make healthy choices, young people can play a decisive role in building stronger communities.
The pledge reaffirmed the shared resolve of the administration and participants to work collectively towards eliminating drug abuse while encouraging healthy habits, responsible citizenship and positive social values.
Campaign Supports Vision of a Drug-Free and Developed India
The district-level programme was organised under the broader ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, a nationwide campaign that seeks to mobilise India’s youth against substance abuse while supporting the national vision of Viksit Bharat.
The campaign focuses on creating awareness about the physical, psychological and social consequences of drug addiction. At the same time, it encourages young people to adopt healthy lifestyles and contribute actively to nation-building.
Officials said the initiative goes beyond awareness programmes by attempting to build a long-term social movement in which educational institutions, volunteers, government agencies and local communities work together to prevent drug abuse at the grassroots level.
The programme in Sri Vijaya Puram reflected the Administration’s continued commitment to strengthening public awareness and encouraging community participation in the fight against narcotics.
Students, Volunteers and Officials Participate in Large Numbers
The event witnessed participation from a diverse cross-section of society. Students from various colleges and educational institutions in and around Sri Vijaya Puram attended the programme alongside faculty members, MY Bharat volunteers, senior officers of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and members of the general public.
The strong turnout demonstrated increasing awareness among young people regarding the importance of remaining drug-free and supporting national campaigns focused on public health and social well-being.
Participants expressed their commitment to carrying forward the message of the campaign by encouraging friends, classmates and family members to stay away from substance abuse.
Officials observed that such programmes become more effective when young citizens themselves take ownership of awareness initiatives and promote positive behavioural change within their communities.
Participants Watch Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Live Address
As part of the nationwide campaign, participants also watched the live address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose message formed an important component of the day’s activities.
The Prime Minister has consistently highlighted the importance of youth participation in eliminating drug addiction and creating a healthier nation. His address emphasised the need for collective efforts involving families, educational institutions, communities and governments to effectively tackle the growing challenge of substance abuse.
The live broadcast connected the district-level programme in Sri Vijaya Puram with similar events taking place simultaneously across different parts of the country under the national campaign.
For participants, the interaction reinforced the message that the movement against drugs is not confined to individual states or Union Territories but represents a nationwide mission involving millions of young Indians.
Nearly 1,000 MY Bharat Volunteers Join the Campaign
According to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, nearly 1,000 MY Bharat volunteers and young participants took part in various activities organised across South Andaman District under the campaign.
The impressive participation reflected the Administration’s sustained efforts to engage youth through educational institutions, volunteer organisations and community outreach programmes.
Officials said the campaign successfully brought together students and volunteers from different backgrounds, creating a platform where they could collectively pledge to oppose drug abuse and promote healthier lifestyles.
The large-scale participation also demonstrated the growing enthusiasm among young people to become active partners in social awareness campaigns rather than remaining passive observers.
Community Participation at the Core of the Initiative
One of the key objectives of the programme was to encourage community participation in preventing substance abuse. Officials stressed that addressing drug addiction requires more than law enforcement measures. Awareness, education and public involvement are equally important in preventing young people from falling into addiction.
By involving students, teachers, volunteers and government officials in a common platform, the campaign attempted to strengthen collaboration between institutions and communities.
The Administration believes that educational campuses can become powerful centres for spreading awareness, identifying vulnerable individuals and encouraging healthy alternatives through sports, cultural activities and community engagement.
Volunteers participating in the programme were also encouraged to continue awareness activities in their local areas and educational institutions after the event.
Administration Reiterates Commitment to Anti-Drug Mission
The district-level programme also reaffirmed the Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s commitment to supporting the Government of India’s nationwide campaign against drug abuse.
Officials stated that awareness programmes, youth engagement initiatives and sustained public participation remain among the most effective tools for reducing substance abuse and building safer communities.
The Administration plans to continue encouraging educational institutions, volunteer organisations and community groups to participate actively in future awareness drives aimed at promoting a drug-free society.
According to officials, empowering young people with the right information and involving them in positive social initiatives can significantly strengthen efforts to prevent addiction before it begins.
Youth Seen as the Driving Force Behind Social Change
The central message emerging from the programme was that young people are not merely beneficiaries of anti-drug campaigns but are expected to become leaders of the movement.
By taking the Anti-Drug Pledge, participants committed themselves to staying away from narcotic substances, encouraging others to make responsible choices and contributing towards healthier communities.
With nearly 1,000 volunteers participating across South Andaman, the campaign highlighted the growing enthusiasm among the region’s youth to support national initiatives focused on health, awareness and social responsibility.
As India continues its nationwide effort to eliminate substance abuse under the vision of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’, programmes like the one held in Sri Vijaya Puram underline the importance of collective action. Bringing together government officials, educators, students and volunteers under a shared pledge sends a strong message that building a drug-free society is a responsibility that belongs to everyone, and that meaningful change begins with informed, aware and empowered young citizens.
