Delhi, 19 July (H.S.): With 65% of India's population under 35, substance abuse significantly threatens youth, hindering national progress. In response, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will lead the special edition 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' as part of the nationwide 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' initiative on July 20, starting from Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi. This 32nd edition will occur at 6000 locations, collaborating with institutions like CBSE and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan to promote health and a drug-free vision for India.

Dr. Mandaviya has called on 15 lakh schools nationwide to join the movement, which began in December 2024 and has become a mass event attracting over 50,000 participants weekly. In New Delhi, the event will commence at 7 AM from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, including thousands of schoolchildren from the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Minister emphasized the importance of a healthy youth for national prosperity, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047. He encouraged children and schools to embrace the 'Nasha-Mukt Viksit Bharat' initiative, promoting health and combatting obesity.

Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with several cycling organizations, the cycling event will be held simultaneously in all state and union territory capitals, as well as various sports and training centers. Previous events saw participation from various security forces, public sector undertakings, and notable athletes and celebrities, highlighting the broad support for this health initiative.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar