Varanasi, July 17, 2025 – A big event called the Youth Spiritual Summit is set to begin tomorrow in Varanasi, running from July 18 to July 20. This event is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and will focus on fighting drug addiction among young people. The theme is “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat,” which means a drug-free youth for a developed India.
The summit will take place along the sacred ghats of the River Ganga. About 500 young people from 100 spiritual organizations will join together. They will work with different government ministries like the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Culture. The goal is to create a plan called the “Kashi Declaration” to stop drug use and help build a healthier India.
This event comes at a time when drug problems are a concern. Back in 2006, a report from Hindustan Times mentioned that Varanasi has been a place where drugs move through from Nepal and Rajasthan. The Narcotics Control Bureau, which fights drug trafficking, has tracked this issue for years. The summit’s location in Varanasi is seen as a smart choice because of its spiritual importance and its past with drug routes.
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who handles Youth Affairs and Sports, spoke about the event in New Delhi. He said drug addiction is a big threat to young people and the country’s progress. He wants this summit to start a big movement called “Jan Andolan” to find drug sources and get rid of them. The government is working with NGOs, schools, and spiritual groups to make this happen.
During the summit, there will also be a “Fit India Sundays on Cycle” rally at Banaras Hindu University. This activity promotes fitness and supports the idea of a drug-free life. The event is by invitation only, showing how serious the organizers are about getting the right people involved.
The plan is to use the Kashi Declaration as a roadmap. It will involve young people leading efforts to stop drugs at every level. With the summit starting tomorrow, people are hopeful it will bring real change to fight drug addiction in India.