Why in news?
Youth leaders and spiritual organisations convened at the Kashi Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi and adopted the Kashi Declaration, a document aimed at tackling substance abuse through moral education and community support.
Background
India faces rising cases of drug abuse, especially among young people. Economic stress, unemployment and peer pressure contribute to addiction. While the government runs programmes like the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug‑Free India Campaign), religious and cultural groups can also play a role in prevention and rehabilitation.
Main components of the declaration
- Spiritual mobilisation: Encourages youth to adopt practices such as yoga, meditation and service to develop discipline and inner strength.
- Multi‑ministerial coordination: Calls for cooperation among the ministries of social justice, education, health and home affairs to address demand reduction, supply control and rehabilitation.
- Digital monitoring: Proposes a digital platform to map addiction hotspots, track rehabilitation progress and share best practices.
- Youth empowerment: Urges governments to invest in sports, arts and vocational training to provide constructive alternatives for youth.
Significance
The Kashi Declaration recognises that beating addiction requires more than law enforcement. By appealing to conscience and community, it seeks to fill the emotional vacuum that often leads to substance abuse. Successful implementation will require sustained engagement, funding and sensitivity to local cultures.