In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to build a Viksit Bharat@2047 and a Nasha Mukt Bharat, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, through MY Bharat, will organise the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme (VBYCP) across universities and colleges from 16th July to 15th August 2026 under the special theme "Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat."

The month-long nationwide initiative aims to connect young citizens with the vision of a developed India while creating awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse. By combining civic engagement with anti-drug awareness, the programme seeks to empower youth to become ambassadors of a healthy, responsible and drug-free India.

The programme will engage students through interactive sessions, presentations, awareness activities and digital participation on the MY Bharat platform. It seeks to encourage young people to actively contribute towards nation-building by understanding that a drug-free society is fundamental to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

As part of the programme, distinguished Youth Icons, including State Champions of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD), winners of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament, NSS Awardees, National Youth Awardees and other accomplished youth leaders, will visit educational institutions to interact with students. They will share insights on India's developmental journey and highlight how substance abuse poses a serious challenge to individual aspirations, social well-being and national progress.

Participants will also view a specially curated awareness film featuring experiences of individuals and families affected by substance abuse, followed by the Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge, reaffirming their commitment towards leading healthy lives and contributing to the nation's development. Wherever feasible, personal testimonials from Recovery Warriors, in collaboration with NGOs and spiritual organisations, will also be incorporated to strengthen the campaign's impact.

To promote greater youth participation, MY Bharat facilitation desks will be established at programme venues to enable on-the-spot registration on the MY Bharat Portal and familiarise participants with various youth development initiatives of the organisation. Extensive outreach through banners, standees and digital publicity will further amplify the campaign across the country.

The programme will primarily engage youth in the 15–25 years age group from rural, urban and tribal communities. Participating institutions may subsequently establish MY Bharat Chapters to ensure sustained youth engagement and facilitate implementation of future MY Bharat initiatives. All registrations and programme-related activities will be carried out through the MY Bharat Portal.

The Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme reflects MY Bharat's continued commitment to nurturing informed, responsible and socially conscious young citizens who will lead India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 while championing the cause of a drug-free society

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Pawan Singh Faujdar