Lok Sabha Question No. 218 (STARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Youth Spiritual Summit
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane, Shri Manish Jaiswal

## 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.

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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 Outreach

Session 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.

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