Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the 'Nasha Mukta Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan', a nationwide anti-drug campaign aimed at mobilising young people against substance abuse, with more than one crore youth taking the 'Nasha Mukti' pledge.Addressing the launch, Modi thanked the participants, saying, "I thank more than 1 crore youth friends who have gathered for the drug-free India pledge."Also Read: PM Modi launches South India's first chip plantCalling it a movement for nation-building, the prime minister said, "The campaign we are witnessing today is for the individual, the family, and society; above all, it is for the nation. The very name of this movement, the 'Drug-Free Youth' initiative under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan, clarifies its resolve."Linking the campaign to the vision of a developed India, he said, "As the nation sets its sights on becoming a Viksit Bharat, it is essential that our youth be healthy in body and mind, brimming with self-confidence, and forever free from the deadly habit of drugs. This is the objective of the campaign."Modi said the initiative had begun as a pilot project in Kashi last year and has now expanded into a nationwide movement. "This campaign was launched last year as a pilot project from Kashi... Over 125 spiritual organizations have joined us today for the welfare of crores of our fellow citizens."Urging greater awareness about substance abuse, he said, "We all should pledge that our youth should understand the risks of drug abuse and be completely aware." Stressing the role of the initiative, Modi added, "Nasha Mukt Yuva abhiyan plays a great role in this."The prime minister also urged professors to spend time with students, speak to them about the dangers of substance abuse and initiate anti-drug movements on college and university campuses.Highlighting the importance of collective efforts in tackling addiction, Modi said, "The support of society, the power of yoga and meditation... these strengthen our inner selves against addiction. And today, we also have... facilities like rehabilitation centers to quit addiction."Also Read: PM Modi to launch Rs 17,900-crore projects in Andhra, inaugurate Vivekananda centre in MysuruThe initiative seeks to inspire young people to remain free from substance abuse and bring about positive changes in society. It marks the beginning of a 100-week nationwide Jan Bhagidari campaign, with activities to be organised every Sunday to spread awareness and mobilise communities against drug abuse.The campaign, led by MY Bharat, a youth-centric platform under the Department of Youth Affairs, will feature weekly activities such as sports competitions, walkathons, meditation sessions and street plays.Youngsters from more than 10,000 locations are participating in the campaign, along with MY Bharat and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, schools, colleges, universities, youth clubs, non-governmental organisations, industrial associations and over 125 spiritual organisations, making it one of the country's largest youth-led public movements against substance abuse.Ahead of the launch, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had said in the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour on August 1, "On August 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation, and more than one crore youth will take the 'Nasha Mukti' pledge, reaffirming their commitment to be drug-free and help others to be drug-free."Speaking at the launch event on Sunday, Mandaviya said the campaign was rooted in Prime Minister Modi's vision of a developed India driven by a healthy and empowered youth."...When the nation was celebrating 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', you articulated the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat', envisioning the 140 crore citizens of the country as partners in realizing this dream. For a nation to become prosperous, it is essential for its citizens to be healthy; healthy citizens build a healthy society, and a healthy society builds a prosperous nation. That is why you have called for the empowerment of the country's youth to create such a healthy society... On August 15, 2020, you declared your resolve to make the country drug-free... The declaration outlined the programs to be conducted and the path forward to transform the country into a drug-free India..." Mandaviya said.Mandaviya also underlined the need for society-wide participation in combating drug abuse."We need to bring our youth into the field of sports, and help spread awareness (about the drug issue). The government cannot do this alone. The entire society has to take responsibility for this," the minister said.