'Drug addiction big problem for the society'; PM Modi on Mann ki Baat

New Delhi: Stating that drug abuse was a big problem for the entire country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the people to fight the menace "collectively".

"Drug addiction becomes a big problem not only for the family but for the whole of society. In such a situation, for this danger to end forever, it is necessary that we all move forward in this direction in unison," Modi said in the 103rd episode of his programme Mann Ki Baat.

"If we want to save the future generations of the country, we have to keep them away from drugs," the PM emphasised.

Talking about the step taken by his government to combat the drug menace, Modi said, "Two weeks ago, India has taken a huge action against drugs. After seizing about 1.5 lakh kg consignment of drugs, it has been destroyed.

"India has also created a unique record of destroying 10 lakh kg of drugs. The cost of these drugs was more than Rs 12,000 crore. I would like to appreciate all those who are contributing to this noble campaign of de-addiction" he said.

Naming Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, he said various programmes have been launched with the help of the youth to get rid of this menace.

"To save the youth of Jammu and Kashmir from drugs, many innovative efforts have been visible. programmes like Musical Night, bike rallies are happening there. To spread this message in Chandigarh, local clubs have been linked with it. They call these VADA clubs. VADA means Victory Against Drug Abuse" he said.

Prime Minister also noted that "These efforts lend a lot of strength to the campaign against drugs in India".

Modi informed that the government had launched 'NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan' on August 15, 2020. More than 11 crore people are part of the campaign.

The PM started his programme by highlighting the recent flooding in parts of India, Modi said, " The month of July means the month of monsoon, the month of rain. The past few days have been full of anxiety and hardships on account of natural calamities".

"In the midst of these calamities, all of us countrymen have once again brought to the fore the power of collective effort. The local people, our NDRF jawans, those from the local administration have worked day and night to combat such calamities," he said.

Modi said the country's capabilities and resources play a big role in dealing with any disaster, but at the same time, sensitivity and a spirit of hand-holding were equally important. "This spirit of Sarvajan Hitaaya (for the benefit of all) is the hallmark of India as well as the strength of India," he added.

Underscoring the importance of 'tree plantation' and 'water conservation' Modi said, over 60 thousand Amrit Sarovars (lakes) have been built during the ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'. "Presently, the work of building more than 50 thousand Amrit Sarovars is going on".

He said the country's people are making novel efforts for water conservation.

In this context, he said Uttar Pradesh has set a record of planting 30 crore trees in a single day.

"This campaign was started by the state government; it was completed by the people there. Such efforts are great examples of public participation as well as public awareness. I would like all of us to be a part of these efforts to plant trees and save water".

Touching upon the issue of biodiversity, Modi said many a time, "when we hear words like Ecology, Flora, Fauna, and Bio-Diversity, some people think that these are specialized subjects; subjects related to experts".

"But it is not so. If we really love nature, we can do a lot even with our small efforts," he said.

The Prime Minister also touched upon the recently concluded "Haj pilgrimage" and said, "I have also received a large number of letters written by Muslim women who have recently come from Haj pilgrimage that gives a lot of satisfaction to the mind".

"These are the women, who have performed Hajj", he said adding that earlier, Muslim women were not allowed to perform 'Hajj' without Mehram.

Modi said the changes that have been made in the Haj Policy in the last few years have given more opportunities to people to go for Haj.

He lauded Uttarakhand women for preserving the erstwhile cultural heritage 'Bhojpatra'. "I have received several letters from Uttarakhand women. These are the women who presented me with a unique artwork on Bhojpatra in October last year. I was also overwhelmed on receiving this gift.

"After all, since ancient times, our scriptures and books have been preserved on these Bhojpatras. Mahabharata was also written on the Bhojpatra. Today, these women of Devbhoomi are making very beautiful artifacts and souvenirs from the Bhojpatra" he said.

Speaking about the ongoing reverberations of Amrit Mahotsav and the 15th of August he said, "Another great campaign is on the verge of being launched in the country.

"Meri Mati Mera Desh campaign will be launched to honor our martyred braveheart men and women. Under this, many programmes will be organised across the country in memory of our immortal martyrs," he informed.

Under this campaign, 'Amrit Kalash Yatra' will also be organised across the country. This 'Amrit Kalash Yatra' carrying soil in 7500 urns from every corner of the country will reach Delhi, the capital of the country.

"This journey will also carry with it saplings from different parts of the country. 'Amrit Vatika' will be built near the National War Memorial by fusing the soil and saplings that would arrive in 7500 urns" he said. (UNI)