On July 19, 2025, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the critical need to protect India’s youth from the addictions of drugs, mobile phones, and social media reels to realise the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Speaking at the ‘Drug-Free Youth for Developed India’ seminar during the Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi, Mandaviya underscored that with 65% of India’s population under the age of 35, nurturing a healthy and addiction-free youth is essential for sustainable national progress.
He called for a mass movement involving citizens motivating at least five others to commit to a drug-free lifestyle and announced the upcoming release of the ‘Kashi Declaration’—a comprehensive roadmap to build a drug-free India in the coming years.
Youth Addiction: A Major Challenge to India’s Growth
At the seminar attended by over 600 youth representatives and leaders from 122 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, Mandaviya delivered a firm message: “India can develop only when the youth stay away from drug addiction as well as mobile and reel addiction.” He described drug abuse as one of the gravest threats faced by India’s young generation, negatively impacting individual health, family well-being, and the country’s overall development.
The minister also brought attention to the growing phenomenon of addiction to mobile phones and short-format video content (reels), noting how these digital distractions erode concentration, reduce productivity, and hamper youth potential.
Emphasising the pivotal role of religious and community leaders, Mandaviya urged them to use their influence to spread awareness, cautioning that individual efforts alone would not suffice. He advocated for a “Jan Andolan” (mass movement), in which every citizen motivates at least five others to participate in creating a drug- and addiction-free society.
Background and Government Initiatives Towards a Drug-Free Future
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s development by 2047 is deeply tied to harnessing the energy and creativity of youth, a demographic that accounts for nearly two-thirds of the country’s population. However, increasing reports indicate rising drug use and digital addiction among young people, calling for urgent action. In response, various government programmes such as ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’ have been launched to promote awareness and rehabilitation services.
At the Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi, focused discussions and workshops addressed strategies to prevent substance abuse and digital overuse, culminating in the historic adoption of the ‘Kashi Declaration.’ This document outlines a five-year collaborative roadmap involving policymakers, civil society, and youth groups that centres on prevention, treatment, education, and policy reform to achieve a drug-free society. The declaration also highlights the importance of strengthening community networks and creating safe spaces for youth.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we recognise that addiction among youth is a multi-faceted issue that demands a compassionate, comprehensive approach integrating education, mental health support, community engagement, and effective policy measures.
While substance abuse remains a persistent challenge, emerging concerns such as excessive use of mobile phones and social media reels equally affect young minds’ mental wellbeing and productivity.
Rather than stigma or punishment alone, creating empathetic support systems is key to helping youth navigate these pressures. Empowering young people with meaningful opportunities, mental health resources, and balanced digital literacy initiatives will nurture resilience and enable them to fully contribute to India’s growth story.
