05-10-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand at the “Drug-Free Youth The Future of Viksit Bharat” Yuva Samvad Programme

Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand at the “Drug-Free Youth The Future of Viksit Bharat” Yuva Samvad Programme

(Date: October 05, 2026)

Jai Hind!

It gives me immense energy and happiness to be amidst this generation of Amrit, a generation of India filled with energy, enthusiasm, aspiration and limitless possibilities.

You are not merely the generation that will shape your own dreams; you are the generation that will fulfil the dreams of India. The dreams in your eyes represent the future of India, your energy represents the momentum of India, and your resolve represents the strength of a developed India. Therefore, today’s subject is not merely a matter for discussion; it is an important national responsibility connected with the present and future of India.

My dear young friends,

The future of India will not be determined merely by the pace of our economy. It will be determined by the direction, thinking, health and resolve of our youth. A young person who possesses a healthy body, a clear mind, a defined goal, strong character and the courage to create something new is the greatest strength of a developed India.

Our ancient Indian knowledge tradition recognised the importance of health long ago:

“शरीरमाद्यं खलु धर्मसाधनम्।”

That is, a healthy body is the foremost instrument for fulfilling all the responsibilities of life.

Today, New India is moving forward with the resolve to become a developed nation by 2047. A developed India is not merely about a strong economy, modern infrastructure and new technology. A developed India is one where young people are healthy, equipped with education and skills, progressive in science and technology, rooted in values, and responsible towards society and the nation.

So, the question is: how do we channel this immense youth power in the right direction?

The first and most important answer is to keep our lives free from addiction.

Addiction is not merely an individual problem. It affects a person’s health, thinking, education, career, family and social life. When a young person falls into the grip of addiction, it is not only their present that is affected; the hopes of their parents, the dreams of their family and the possibilities of their own future also begin to weaken.

Therefore, the fight against addiction is not the responsibility of any one institution. It is the responsibility of families, teachers, educational institutions and society—and, above all, it is the responsibility of the young person themselves.

But we must not merely tell young people, “Do not take drugs.” We must also give them the confidence that life offers destinations far more beautiful, meaningful and elevated than the temporary escape offered by addiction.

Choose education. Choose sports. Choose yoga and meditation. Choose skills. Choose innovation. Choose art and culture. Choose service. And above all, choose a greater purpose in life.

Because when a young person has a goal, their energy does not become directionless; it moves towards creation and nation-building.

Taking this national resolve forward, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the “Drug-Free Youth – Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan” on 2 August 2026. This 100-week nationwide campaign based on public participation is focused on keeping young people away from substance abuse and empowering them to become agents of positive change within their families, educational institutions and society.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister has called upon young people to remain healthy, confident and drug-free, and urged teachers to maintain continuous dialogue with youth on the harmful effects of substance abuse. Today’s Yuva Samvad is also an important medium for taking this national resolve forward.

My young friends,

If one of our fellow young people is struggling with addiction, do not make fun of them and do not distance yourself from them. Talk to them, understand them and, when necessary, encourage them to seek appropriate help.

Saving even one young person from addiction is not merely saving one life; it is saving the hope of a family and the future of society.

But to make de-addiction sustainable, we must also open the doors of opportunity for our youth. This is where the issue of de-addiction becomes closely connected with education and skills.

Education gives us the power to think, while skills give us the ability to turn that thinking into results. Therefore, young people need not merely a degree, but direction; not merely knowledge, but skills; and not merely opportunities, but the confidence to make the best use of those opportunities.

I am pleased that the “Super 300 Mission Education” initiative being run by CIMS & UIHMT Group of Colleges is making efforts to provide opportunities for higher education to economically weaker and meritorious students.

Similarly, the initiative undertaken in collaboration with the Indian Army to support the education of children of serving personnel, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and Agniveers, and to provide them with special facilities, is also commendable. Providing children of military families with opportunities to progress is a meaningful expression of gratitude towards the nation.

My young friends,

Along with education, it is equally important today to understand skills and emerging technologies. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is opening up new possibilities in education, research, healthcare and many other fields. The youth of Uttarakhand must understand this transformation, acquire the necessary skills and use technology for the welfare of humanity.

But remember—technology can enhance our capabilities; it can never replace our compassion.

And this brings us to an important area of healthcare—nursing and paramedical services.

My young friends,

For students entering the healthcare sector, this is not merely a field of employment; it is a responsibility towards humanity. Along with doctors, skilled nursing and paramedical professionals are an essential link in the healthcare system.

The field you are entering offers you not merely a career opportunity, but an opportunity to touch and transform someone’s life. In an era of rapidly changing medical technology and modern healthcare services, you must develop practical skills, technical competence, communication abilities, team spirit and the habit of continuous learning alongside knowledge.

But above all, one quality is essential—compassion.

I would like to say:

“Knowledge is your strength, skill is your identity, but compassion is your greatest power.”

The person who comes before you in a hospital is not merely a patient. They come to you with hope, and with them comes the concern, hope and emotions of an entire family. Therefore, along with your professional competence, your compassion must also become a part of their healing.

My dear young friends,

The essence of today’s dialogue is very simple—do not allow your energy to go to waste; channel it into building your life.

Stay away from addiction. Stay close to your goals. Keep learning. Develop your skills. Embrace new technologies. And keep your compassion alive.

I firmly believe that such a young generation will become the strength of its families, the hope of society and the foundation of a developed India.

Let us, therefore, resolve today not merely to stay away from drugs, but to fill our lives with purpose, discipline, knowledge, skills, innovation and compassion.

Let us channel our energy into education, sports, yoga, skill development, innovation and nation-building, and use new technologies for the welfare of humanity.

Remember:

A drug-free youth is the foundation of a healthy society.
Healthy youth are the strength of a skilled India.
And skilled and compassionate youth are the builders of a developed India.

Let us, with full confidence and collective resolve, say No to drugs and Yes to life, and pledge to contribute to the creation of a drug-free youth, a healthy society and a developed India.

My young friends, you are not merely the future of India—you are the strength of India today and the makers of India tomorrow.

Build your lives in such a manner that your families take pride in you, your society places its trust in you, and your nation can rely upon you.

I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all of you for a bright, healthy, meaningful and successful future.

Vande Mataram!
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Jai Hind!