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KASHI DECLARATION: FOR DRUG-FREE INDIA

 The Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi concluded with the adoption of the Kashi Declaration, a visionary roadmap for a nationwide youth-led movement against drug addiction. It calls for a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach" to integrate efforts across various domains, including spiritual, educational, technological, and cultural sectors.

Description

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Picture Courtesy:  DDNEWS

Context:

The Youth Spiritual Summit concluded with the adoption of the Kashi Declaration.

KASHI DECLARATION FOR DRUG-FREE INDIA

What Was the Youth Spiritual Summit?

 The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organized the summit in Varanasi to accelerate the aim of a drug-free society by 2047.

Participants engaged in in-depth discussions, including:

  • The psychological and social impacts of addiction
  • The complexities of drug trafficking and supply chains
  • Strategies for grassroots awareness campaigns
  • The critical role of spiritual and cultural institutions in prevention and rehabilitation

These discussions formed the foundation for the Kashi Declaration.

What is the Kashi Declaration?

It outlines a multi-dimensional and collaborative approach to drug de-addiction, and calls for a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach" to integrate efforts across various domains, including spiritual, educational, technological, and cultural sectors.

It's progress will be reviewed at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, to ensure accountability and long-term impact.

Proposal

Description

Joint National Committee

For coordination among different ministries involved in drug de-addiction efforts.

Annual Progress Reporting Mechanisms

To track and report on the progress of drug de-addiction initiatives annually.

National Platform for Support Services

To connect individuals affected by substance abuse directly with support services and resources.

Integration of Efforts

Combining spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological initiatives to prevent addiction, and support recovery.

Youth-Led Movement

Mobilizing youth as the primary drivers of the anti-drug addiction campaign.

Rooted in Civilisational Ethos

Ensuring the approach remains aligned with India's traditional wisdom and values, utilizing spiritual and cultural strengths.

What is "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan"?

Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2020, to create a "Drug-Free India" through a three-pronged strategy:

  • Awareness Generation => About the ill effects of drugs, especially in educational institutions and vulnerable communities.
  • Community Outreach => Engaging with community members, especially women and religious leaders, to build support systems for prevention and rehabilitation.
  • Treatment and Rehabilitation -=> Strengthening de-addiction infrastructure and services, including counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation.

The Kashi Declaration's theme, "Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat," directly aligns with and reinforces the goals of this national campaign.

What is "MY Bharat" (Mera Yuva Bharat)?

It is an autonomous body established by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in 2023, to empower youth and facilitate their participation in national development. 

The platform aims to connect young people with various government schemes, volunteer opportunities, and skill development programs, promoting a sense of civic responsibility and leadership among them. 

The Kashi Declaration leverages this existing framework to mobilize youth in the fight against drug addiction.

Must Read Articles: 

DRUG ABUSE IN INDIA 

INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING

Source: DDNEWS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. The Kashi Declaration, frequently mentioned in the news, is related to:

A) Digital literacy

B) Drug-free society

C) Sustainable agricultural practices

D) Preserving ancient cultural

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Youth Spiritual Summit, held under the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat, concluded in Varanasi with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration — a visionary roadmap to drive a nationwide youth-led movement against drug addiction

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To drive a nationwide youth-led movement for a drug-free India (Nasha Mukt Yuva) by 2047, contributing to Viksit Bharat.

The declaration covers psychological and social impacts of substance abuse, drug trafficking, awareness strategies, and the role of spiritual institutions.

It recommends a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society" approach, integrating spiritual, educational, technological, and cultural efforts.

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