India launches multiple regional anti-drug awareness campaigns

Various regional and political initiatives are underway across India to combat substance abuse through the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ (Drug-Free India) vision.

In Assam, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padayatra in Cachar. The statewide campaign, covering 10 districts, aims to mobilize the public and youth to build a drug-free society through collective responsibility. Similarly, in Kohima, a programme titled ‘My Health, My Pride’ was held at Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School to educate students on the physical and psychological consequences of addiction.

In Punjab, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a 13-day ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’. BJP National President Nitin Nabin flagged off the first of four statewide yatras from Pathankot, which will cover approximately 4,000 km across all 117 assembly constituencies. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the side effects of drugs among the youth ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.

In Jammu and Kashmir, a youth awareness programme was organized at the Government Higher Secondary School in Rajpura. The event, part of a 100-week campaign, included student-led activities such as skits and poster-making to promote healthy choices and community participation against drug abuse.