Kashi Declaration advocates consensus against drug abuse

Kashi Declaration also emphasised integrating spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological efforts to prevent addiction and support recovery

- HT Correspondent

The Youth Spiritual Summit on the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat concluded at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi on Sunday with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration that affirmed a national consensus to tackle substance abuse as the event marked a key moment in the country’s journey toward a drug-free society by 2047.

The Kashi Declaration also emphasised integrating spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological efforts to prevent addiction and support recovery. It proposed institutional mechanisms for multi-ministerial coordination, including the formation of a Joint National Committee, annual progress reporting and a national platform for linking affected individuals to support services.

Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit gathered over 600 youth leaders, representatives from 120+ spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, academicians, and domain experts.