Date: 2026-02-27Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
Goa Stands United in Massive Youth Rally Against Drug Abuse; Over 3,000 Youth Pledge Support to Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in the Presence of Dr. Pramod Sawant, Dr. Virendra Kumar and Shri Subhash Phal Desai
**Executive Summary**
On February 27, 2026, a large youth rally in Goa, attended by over 3,000 people and virtually by thousands more, pledged support to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). The event, organized by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with the Government of Goa, was graced by dignitaries including Dr. Pramod Sawant, Dr. Virendra Kumar, and Shri Subhash Phal Desai. It highlighted the NMBA's sixth year and Goa's commitment to becoming a drug-free state by 2037.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Event Overview:**
* A youth rally was held at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Goa University, Bambolim.
* The event was part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA).
* The rally marked a significant milestone in the NMBA's sixth year.
* Thousands participated in person and virtually.
* **Commitments and Goals:**
* Goa aims to achieve "Viksit Goa" by 2037, ahead of the national schedule.
* Achieving a "Nasha Mukt Goa" (drug-free Goa) is a core priority.
* The government is committed to uniting all stakeholders in this effort.
* The NMBA has transformed into a nationwide movement involving citizens, youth, women, educational institutions, and spiritual organizations.
* **Event Highlights:**
* A vibrant youth rally symbolized collective resolve against drug abuse.
* Mass pledge-taking ceremony was held both in-person and online.
* Inspiring cultural performances showcased the vitality of a drug-free society.
* Dedicated volunteers, NGOs, partners, and active contributors were felicitated.
* NMBA success stories and achievements were shared to motivate continued action.
* Informative stalls offered resources and guidance.
* **NMBA Overview:**
* Launched on August 15, 2020, by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
* Initially targeted 272 highly vulnerable districts and has since expanded nationwide.
* Emphasizes mass awareness with focused outreach in educational institutions, university campuses, schools, and communities.
* **Major National Achievements (as reported):**
* Over 25.94 crore people sensitized on substance abuse issues.
* More than 9.36 crore youth engaged through targeted programs.
* Over 6.38 crore women reached with awareness initiatives.
* Involvement of more than 16.16 lakh educational institutions.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Goa Government**
* **Impact:** Strengthened commitment and visibility in achieving a drug-free state by 2037.
* **Action Required:** Continue uniting all stakeholders and prioritize the "Nasha Mukt Goa" initiative.
**Stakeholder: Department of Social Justice and Empowerment**
* **Impact:** Successful mobilization of youth and community in support of NMBA.
* **Action Required:** Continue organizing and supporting similar initiatives to strengthen national resolve for Nasha Mukt Bharat.
**Stakeholder: Citizens (Especially Youth)**
* **Impact:** Increased awareness of substance abuse issues and opportunities to contribute to a healthier society.
* **Action Required:** Take the online pledge at the NMBA website, raise awareness, and actively contribute to a healthier, addiction-free society.
Key Entities Referenced
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA): Nationwide anti-drug campaign organized by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, aiming to create awareness and mobilize youth against substance abuse.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment: The Indian government ministry responsible for organizing and implementing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
Goa: Location of a major event supporting the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, highlighting the state's commitment to becoming drug-free.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Goa Stands United in Massive Youth Rally
Against Drug Abuse; Over 3,000 Youth Pledge
Support to Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in the
Presence of Dr. Pramod Sawant, Dr. Virendra
Kumar and Shri Subhash Phal Desai
Posted On: 27 FEB 2026 4:48PM by PIB Delhi
In a resounding show of unity and determination, more than 3,000 citizens—primarily youth—gathered at
the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Goa University, Bambolim, today for a landmark event under
the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). Organized by the Department of Social Justice and
Empowerment, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Goa, the rally marked a
significant milestone in the campaign's sixth year and became one of the largest anti-drug mobilizations in
Goa's history.
Thousands more participated virtually through online platforms, amplifying the call for a drug-free India
and reinforcing the movement as a true people's campaign (Jan Andolan).
The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including:
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant
Hon’ble Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar
Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare, Government of Goa, Shri Subhash Phal Desai along with
senior officials, VVIPs, and community leaders.In his address, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasized Goa's commitment to realizing the Prime
Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 ahead of schedule—aiming for a fully developed Viksit Goa
by 2037. He declared that achieving a Nasha Mukt Goa (drug-free Goa) is a core priority in this roadmap
and reaffirmed his resolve to unite all stakeholders—including youth, spiritual organizations, NGOs, and
community partners—in this collective effort.
Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar praised the transformation of NMBA into a nationwide movement
driven by citizens, youth, women, educational institutions, and spiritual organizations. He reiterated the
Government's firm dedication to eradicating substance abuse and fostering a healthier, more empowered
India.
Key Highlights of the Event:
A vibrant youth rally symbolizing collective resolve against drug abuse.Mass pledge-taking ceremony (both in-person and online), with participants committing to reject
substance use and spread awareness.
Inspiring cultural performances by students, artists, and youth groups showcasing the vitality of a
drug-free society.
Felicitation of dedicated volunteers, NGOs, partners, and active contributors to the campaign.
Sharing of NMBA success stories and achievements to motivate continued action.
Informative stalls by Spiritual organizations, the National Institute of Social Defence, AYUSH,
Alcoholic Anonymous (AA), Social Welfare Department, Dept of Health etc. offering resources and
guidance.The rally saw enthusiastic involvement from school and college students, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers,
My Bharat participants, youth club members, spiritual organization representatives, line departments,
NGOs, police personnel, civil society groups, and the general public.
About Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Launched on August 15, 2020, by the Department of Social
Justice and Empowerment, NMBA initially targeted 272 highly vulnerable districts and has since
expanded to cover every district nationwide. The campaign emphasizes mass awareness, with focused
outreach in higher educational institutions, university campuses, schools, and communities.
Major National Achievements (as reported):
Over 25.94 crore people sensitized on substance abuse issues.
More than 9.36 crore youth engaged through targeted programs.
Over 6.38 crore women reached with awareness initiatives.
Involvement of more than 16.16 lakh educational institutions for widespread impact on children and
youth.
Strategic partnerships with eight leading spiritual organizations—including The Art of Living, Brahma
Kumaris, Sant Nirankari Mission, ISKCON, Shri Ram Chandra Mission, All World Gayatri Pariwar,
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, and University of Patanjali—have strengthened grassroots
efforts. Digital engagement continues via official social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram) and the
dedicated NMBA website, featuring dashboards, e-pledge options, forums, and resources.Recent national highlights include the 5th Anniversary celebration in Delhi (August 2025) and a grand
event at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (November 2025), which drew massive participation.Today's Goa event underscored NMBA's growing momentum, mobilized community action, inspired
youth leadership, and strengthened the national resolve for a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Government of Goa extend sincere gratitude
to all participants, partners, and supporters. They invite every citizen—especially the youth—to join the
movement by taking the online pledge at the NMBA website, raising awareness, and actively contributing
to a healthier, addiction-free society.
*****
S.M/D.G
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