Around 1,000 Youth and Community Members Join Awareness Drive Against Substance Abuse
Kolkata, October 4, 2026: Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), Kolkata, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, organised a 3-km awareness walk on Sunday under the campaign “Nasha Mukt Yuva – 100 Weeks of Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat”, aimed at encouraging young people to stay away from substance abuse and embrace a healthy, responsible and drug-free lifestyle.
The walk began at 6:45 AM from Lions Safari Park, Gate No. 10, and passed through Nazrul Mancha and Lake Garden Road before covering the Rabindra Sarovar area. Around 1,000 youth and community members participated in the initiative, sending a strong message in support of a drug-free society and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The programme was attended by several distinguished personalities, including Shri Deb Kumar Chatterjee, State Director, MY Bharat, West Bengal, along with officials of MY Bharat Kolkata.
Among the other guests were Shri Naveen Dugar, President, Anuvrat Samiti; Shri Pratap Singh J. Dugar, National President; Shri Ratan J. Dugar, Trustee; and Shri Dharmendra J. Daga. Representatives of the Lions Club of Kolkata North, Tollygunge Sabha, Terapanthi Yuvak Parishad South Kolkata, Terapanthi Professional Forum South Kolkata, Lion’s Femina, Mahila Mandal and Safari Park authorities also participated in the programme.
The event was organised in coordination with Anuvrat Society, Kolkata; Lions Club of Kolkata North; Shri Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Sabha; and Terapanth Yuvak Parishad, South Kolkata.
Walkathon, Nukkad Natak and Awareness Activities
The programme featured a walkathon, Nukkad Natak (street play) and slogan-based awareness activities designed to engage the public and highlight the harmful consequences of substance abuse.
Through these activities, participants urged young people to make healthy choices, reject drugs and other harmful substances, and contribute positively to their families, communities and the nation.
‘Youth Are the Driving Force Behind Viksit Bharat’: Deb Kumar Chatterjee
Addressing the gathering, Shri Deb Kumar Chatterjee, State Director, MY Bharat, West Bengal, stressed that substance abuse is not merely an individual issue but a serious challenge that can affect the future of the nation.
He urged young people to stay away from drugs and other harmful substances, emphasising that a healthy mind and body are the foundation of a strong nation.
He further highlighted that India’s youth are the driving force behind the vision of Viksit Bharat, and that their energy, talent and potential should be channelled towards constructive activities and nation-building rather than destructive habits.
Chatterjee also encouraged young people to become ambassadors of a drug-free India by spreading awareness, inspiring their peers and actively participating in community initiatives.
Strengthening the Movement for a Drug-Free India
The initiative reaffirmed MY Bharat Kolkata’s commitment to strengthening youth participation in the nationwide movement against substance abuse.
With youth and community members coming together for the awareness walk, the programme sought to reinforce the message that a healthy, empowered and drug-free generation can play a crucial role in building a stronger and more developed India.
