(Image source from: livemint.com)

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, addressed the ‘Campaign for Drugs Free India’ on Tuesday said that Drugs are not cool and its use is not a style statement .

PM Modi said through video message. The event organized by the Art of Living Foundation. The video was played at an event at Guru Jambeshwar University at Hisar.

In the address, the Prime Minister complimented the efforts of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living Foundation for their contribution towards tackling the drug menace in the country.

Prime Minister said that as per WHO estimates, over three crore people around the world are suffering from drug addiction. And it is an great menace to society.

He said that it is alarming to see many youngsters getting addicted to substance abuse. “Drugs are not cool. It is a big misconception that drugs are a style statement.”

Narendra Modi said that in addition to the health problems and destruction of families due to substance abuse, narcotics trade is a great threat to the safety and security of the country.

He added that it is one of the biggest sources of income for terrorists and anti-national elements, and the money sourced by these elements through drugs trade is used to destabilize the nation.

The Prime Minister urged the young generation to say ‘No to Drugs’ for a healthy life, a happy family, a better future and for the safety and security of the nation.

He said that those having self-confidence and self-belief will not easily fall prey to drugs use. He also asked the young generation to support and help those reeling from drug addiction.

“Only through conversations, counselling and continued love and support, we can bring those under addiction to the path of rehabilitation,” PM added.

He also highlighted the various initiatives taken by the Government to tackle the menace of drug addiction. In this context, he mentioned about the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction, initiated in 2018, which focuses on awareness generation, capacity building, rehabilitation and specific intervention in vulnerable areas to ensure drug demand reduction by 2023.

-Sai Kumar