NEW DELHI, AUG 30 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for a collective fight against drug abuse, saying addiction affects not only an individual but the entire family and society, and urged citizens to build a healthier and stronger future for India’s youth.
Addressing his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi said the ‘Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India’ campaign was rapidly gaining momentum, with large numbers of young people joining it. Its objective, he said, was clear: “Drug-free youth, drug-free India.”
He commended those raising awareness about drug abuse and helping people struggling with addiction, and urged citizens to contribute to the campaign. The government’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan seeks to prevent substance abuse through awareness, community participation, treatment, rehabilitation, aftercare and social reintegration. Modi also highlighted the PM SVANidhi Yojana, saying lakhs of women street vendors were gaining economic strength through the scheme. Women constitute approximately 46 per cent of its beneficiaries, meaning around 35 lakh women are using it to expand their businesses.
Referring to women beneficiaries from Ghaziabad and Bengaluru, he said when a woman’s business grows, the entire family benefits through better education for children, improved household finances and greater self-confidence.
Highlighting the patriotic spirit associated with August, Modi referred to National Handloom Day, the anniversary of the Quit India Movement, Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, Independence Day and National Space Day. He said the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign had further strengthened this sentiment, with 2026 also marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. He said the Suryapath Tiranga initiative had taken the national flag on a unique journey across the globe, beginning with its hoisting in Suva, Fiji, and subsequently at Indian missions and posts across Asia, Africa, Europe and San Francisco.
The prime minister also highlighted Mission ShaktiSAT, through which 12,000 girl students from 108 countries are being given opportunities to learn satellite technology and pursue innovation. Preparations are underway to send a satellite developed through the participation of female students into lunar orbit, he said.
Modi also spoke about the growing popularity of avocados, saying the rising demand was creating new opportunities for farmers. He noted that many farmers who previously cultivated other crops were now taking up avocado farming, helping them earn additional income.
During the programme, Modi shared the inspirational story of Mumbai resident Krishna Seshadri, who has created bharatrajya.com, a website documenting little-known erstwhile kingdoms of India.
He also highlighted Vesalu Puro of Phek district, Nagaland, who has benefited from flower cultivation, and Odisha’s Maithili Bhue, who is involved in forest conservation.
Modi is currently on a state visit to Uzbekistan. The radio programme is generally recorded in advance and broadcast on the last Sunday of every month.
