Visakhapatnam school part of PM's anti-drug campaign launch

Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar in MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam, was the only institution from Andhra Pradesh among 11 Sri Sathya Sai schools across the country to take part in the virtual launch of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” campaign on [date]. The event, organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the MY Bharat initiative, seeks to transform the fight against substance abuse into a mass movement.

The campaign was simultaneously conducted at over 10,000 locations nationwide, with students, teachers, and community members participating in a pledge against drug use. In his address, the Prime Minister urged the youth to reject drugs and take the lead in driving social change for a developed India. The initiative is part of a broader national effort to build a drug-free society and channel the energy of young people towards constructive nation-building.

Students of the local campus joined the nationwide pledge after a series of preparatory awareness events held earlier. These included a choir on Viksit Bharat, a street play (Nukkad Natak) highlighting the dangers of substance abuse, yoga and meditation sessions, and cultural performances reinforcing the message of a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

Addressing the gathering, former Principal Ayyagari Kaushalya exhorted students to uphold human values and discipline, emphasising that personal commitment and community support are essential to overcoming the challenge of addiction. She called on the youth to become ambassadors of change and inspire their peers to stay away from harmful substances.

School governing body members B. Sreedevi, P.R.S.N. Naidu, V.R. Nageswara Rao, and Principal Chekuri Varalakshmi attended the programme. Their presence underscored the institution’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for students.

The selection of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar for this national launch is a recognition of the school’s ongoing efforts in value-based education and community engagement. The event not only marked the school’s participation in a national cause but also reinforced the importance of collective action in tackling social issues.

As the campaign rolls out across the country, educational institutions like this are expected to play a pivotal role in spreading awareness and mobilising young people. The government’s focus on a mass movement approach aims to ensure that the message reaches every corner of India, making the fight against drugs a shared responsibility.