Youth Spiritual Summit Concludes in Varanasi with the Launch of the Kashi Declaration
The Youth Spiritual Summit, themed “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat,” concluded today at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi, culminating in the adoption of the Kashi Declaration. Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the event gathered over 600 youth leaders and representatives from more than 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organizations. This summit represents a significant step toward achieving a drug-free society in India by the year 2047.
A National Convergence of Ideas
The Youth Spiritual Summit served as a platform for a national convergence of youthful energy, spiritual vision, and institutional commitment. It featured four plenary sessions that delved into critical aspects of substance abuse, including its psychological and societal impacts, the intricacies of drug trafficking, grassroots awareness strategies, and the role of spiritual and cultural institutions in rehabilitation and prevention. These discussions laid the groundwork for the Kashi Declaration, which embodies a collective commitment to combat drug addiction, drawing from India’s rich civilizational wisdom and the leadership of its youth.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted the significance of the summit, stating, “We have reflected deeply over the last three days across diverse thematic sessions. Based on this collective chintan, the Kashi Declaration is born, not just as a document, but as a shared Sankalp for the Yuva Shakti of Bharat.” This declaration aims to unite various voices and perspectives into a cohesive national strategy against substance abuse.
The Kashi Declaration: A Vision for the Future
The Kashi Declaration, formally adopted at the summit, emphasizes the need to view substance abuse as a complex public health and societal issue. It advocates for a comprehensive approach that involves the entire government and society. The declaration calls for integrating spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological initiatives to prevent addiction, support recovery, and cultivate a culture of sobriety across the nation.
Moreover, it proposes the establishment of institutional mechanisms for multi-ministerial coordination, including the formation of a Joint National Committee. This committee will oversee annual progress reports and create a national platform to connect individuals affected by substance abuse with necessary support services. Dr. Mandaviya underscored the importance of spiritual institutions in this initiative, stating, “Bharat’s Spiritual strength has always guided Bharat through its crises. This is why spiritual institutions must now lead the charge in creating a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat.”
Insights from Dignitaries and Experts
The summit featured numerous distinguished speakers, including Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, Governor of Himachal Pradesh, who spoke about the cultural significance of Kashi. He remarked, “This sacred land of Kashi is the cradle of Sanatan Chetna (eternal consciousness), where discipline and values guide life’s journey towards moksha.” He emphasized the urgency of addressing addiction, especially in a nation where 65% of the population is youth, warning that only those who overcome addiction will be able to shape the future.
The final session of the summit included a keynote address by Shri Nitin Agarwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Excise and Prohibition in Uttar Pradesh. Other dignitaries, such as Dr. Virendra Kumar and Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, contributed valuable insights during the discussions. Smt. Raksha Khadse highlighted the dangers of digital platforms targeting school children and reiterated the government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against substance abuse.
Launching a National Anti-Drug Campaign
The Youth Spiritual Summit has set the stage for a national youth-led anti-drug campaign under the broader MY Bharat framework. Volunteers and affiliated youth clubs will lead pledge campaigns, awareness initiatives, and community outreach efforts across the country. The Kashi Declaration will serve as a guiding charter, with its progress to be reviewed during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in 2026, ensuring ongoing accountability and momentum in the fight against substance abuse.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
