Parliament Question: Youth Spiritual Summit

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO-*218 ANSWERED ON- 04/08/2025 Youth Spiritual Summit *218. Shri Manish Jaiswal:

Shri Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to

state:-

(a) whether the Government has organized 'Youth Spiritual Summit' in Varanasi recently and if so, the details thereof along with its aim and objectives;

(b) the number of youth delegates participated in the said summit and the criteria adopted for their selection;

(c) whether the Government is aware that substance abuse remains the gravest threat confronting our youth posing a challenge to national progress;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the specific sessions and activities held during the summit to address and strategies discussed on the issue of drug addiction; and

(e) the details of the follow-up action or programmes planned against drug addiction? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA)

(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House. *****STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (E) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *218 FOR 04.08.2025 REGARDING YOUTH SPIRITUAL SUMMIT ASKED BY HON’BLE MPs SHRI MANISH JAISWAL AND SHRI DHAIRYASHEEL SAMBHAJIRAO MANE.

(a) Yes, the Government recently organized a Three-day 'Youth Spiritual Summit' in Varanasi from 18th to 20th July 2025. The Summit, themed "Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat", brought together delegates from the youth wings of more than 120 spiritual organisations and various domain experts, Ministries and other organizations to develop a comprehensive, youth-led national strategy for a drug-free India. The deliberations culminated in the release of the Kashi Sankalp, a consensus-based action agenda towards Nasha Mukt Bharat.

(b) Approximately 600 youth delegates participated in the Summit, representing youth wings of various spiritual organisations from across the country. Delegates were typically in the age group of 25–40 years. The Ministry consulted organisations affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and other relevant bodies. Based on their interest and willingness to participate, formal invitations were extended to spiritual organisations from across India

(c) & (d) Yes, the Government is fully aware that substance abuse constitutes one of the most serious threats to the well-being and potential of Indian youth, and consequently, to the country’s development trajectory. List of thematic sessions and activities related to drug addiction, conducted during the event are as

follows:

Session 1: Understanding Addiction: Nature, Types, Demographics of Youth Addict Victims Session 2: Decoding the Nexus: Peddler Networks, Access, International Influence Session 3: Effective Campaigning and OutreachSession 4: Vision 2047 – Roadmap and Commitment & signing of the Kashi Sankalp

Public Program: A Nukkad Natak highlighting the effects of drug use and a theme based cultural performance by a team from Ministry of Culture was also staged. This event was attended by eminent personalities from the region and also local youth.

The sessions were lead by domain experts from Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Home Affairs and some present as well as past Members of Parliaments active in the field of drug de-addiction and other experts in the field.

(e) The Kashi Sankalp adopted during the Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi outlines a collaborative approach to tackling substance abuse through youth-led public campaigns, institutional outreach, and multi-stakeholder coordination. It emphasizes the cultural and constitutional imperative of a drug-free society. The declaration details roles for spiritual bodies, educational institutions, and Government ministries in prevention, rehabilitation, and awareness.

It also includes mechanisms for Joint Working Groups, public reporting, and structured action planning. *****