In Mann Ki Baat, Modi urges content creators to support drug-free India drive

During his Mann ki Baat radio address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the youth on Sunday to take up “creative efforts” in support of the national campaign against drug abuse, including on social media. Modi termed it a noble mission, underlining that drug addiction does not just engulf a single individual but their entire family and society had to bear the consequences, even as he sought to commend those raising awareness against drugs and stepping forward to help individuals struggling with addiction.

“Can you come up with a powerful slogan for a drug-free India? Can our young musicians create songs that convey the message of a drug-free life? Can students and theatre groups write touching short plays that highlight the dangers of drugs while also showing the path to recovery?

Our country has no shortage of excellent content creators. I urge them to create content in various languages that helps society in this endeavour,” he said. “You can use your creativity as a medium for social change…Often, creative efforts prove more impactful than formal campaigns.

Let us all play our part in this noble mission to keep India's youth away from drugs and free from addiction,” he also said, asking for efforts in this regard to use the hashtag #NashaMuktYuva while sharing content on social media.

Launched on August 15, 2020, under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is a flagship government initiative. The 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat began with the prime minister appreciating Mumbai resident Krishna Seshadri, whom he also spoke to, for bridging the gap between technology and history through http://www.bharatrajya.com, which seeks to introduce people to India’s great empires.

Commending him for “re-living history now”, the prime minister said he had viewed the site with great interest and that its creator had “truly accomplished something remarkable”. He added, “This initiative by Krishna ji will help not only history students but all of us to learn about our past in an engaging way.” Underlining the “myriad hues of patriotism” that the month of August brings, Modi said occasions such as National Handloom Day and the anniversary of the Quit India Movement and Partition Horrors Remembrance Day make this month special.

While Independence Day and National Space Day fill every countryman with pride, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign further strengthens this sentiment. “This year has become even more special as it marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

This time, over eight crore Tiranga selfies were uploaded. And this celebration of the tricolour was not limited to India alone. This year, through the Suryapath Tiranga initiative, our flag embarked on a unique journey across the globe,” he said.

“The tricolour was hoisted in Suva, Fiji, at the first light of dawn. Subsequently, it was unfurled at Indian missions and posts across Asia, Africa, Europe, and eventually at San Francisco in America… Such efforts bind society together and deepen our connection with the nation,” he said.

The prime minister further referred to the PM SVANidhi Yojana, stating that the scheme launched in June 2020 was helping women street vendors expand businesses, raise incomes and improve financial prospects for their families.

“Nearly 46 per cent of the beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi Scheme are women. That means around 35 lakh women across the country are connecting with this scheme to advance their businesses,” he said. Our festivals and celebrations, said the prime minister, not only uphold our traditions but also provide opportunities to connect with one another.

He called for honouring local artisans, among others, during Vishwakarma Puja in September and supporting the Vocal for Local initiative.