VARANASI, July 20 -- Achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047 requires keeping youth away from drugs and digital distractions, Union minister for youth affairs and sports and labour and employment, Mansukh Mandaviya said on Saturday at the 'Yuva Spiritual Summit' in Varanasi. "To realise the vision of a developed India by 2047, we must keep our youth away from drugs and from the distractions of excessive mobile use and social media," he said. The summit, organised by the ministry of youth affairs and sports, is themed 'Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India'. The minister said addiction is a serious threat to national progress and the future of the youth. "Our young generation must be seen not just as beneficiaries but as changemakers," he added. Speaking to over 600 participants from 122 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, Mandaviya urged religious and social leaders to use their platforms to raise awareness. "Limited efforts won't work. Every citizen must pledge to inspire five others to join the anti-drug campaign," he said. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Panch Pran' (five pledges) of Amrit Kaal announced during the Independence Day address in 2022, Mandaviya said that with 65% of India's population under the age of 35, the youth will play a key role in shaping the country's future. The two-day summit will conclude on July 20 with the release of the 'Kashi Declaration', a joint commitment by youth and spiritual leaders, outlining a national action plan to build a drug-free India. Union minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya will lead the special edition 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' under the theme 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' on July 20. The event will be flagged off from the Banaras Hindu University campus in Varanasi. The 32nd edition of the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' will be organised at 6000 locations across the country in partnership with several educational institutions including Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Kendriya Vidayalaya Sangathan, Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), DAV College Management Committee, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and Bal Bharati Public School. Dr Mandaviya has urged 15 lakh schools across the country to join the movement by cycling for health and a drug-free Viksit Bharat. Launched in December 2024, the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' campaign has become a mass movement, taking place at thousands of locations nationwide and drawing over 50,000 participants every week. "Youth are the nation builders of tomorrow. Only a healthy youth can lead the country toward prosperity. As envisioned by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India can become a Viksit Bharat by 2047 only if our youth are healthy and fit," said Dr. Mandaviya. He added, "Addiction and substance abuse are major threats to our youth's development. I urge children of all ages and every school across the country to support the cause of a Nasha-Mukt Viksit Bharat and cycle for a healthier, obesity-free India."...