Marking “Yoga evam Aatm-Suraksha Diwas” (Yoga and Self-Defence Day) across the country on October 16, 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme (NSS), began Month 2 of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat 100 Week Sankalp Abhiyan. Launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the campaign has now moved into its second month under the theme “Fit Youth, Addiction-Free Youth (Shakti evam Seva),” placing physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline and self-confidence at the heart of a healthy, addiction-free society.
Activities in Week 5 drew 91,179 participants from 183 educational institutions, NSS units and adopted villages across the country. Local leaders, police officials, sports authorities, medical experts and certified yoga instructors came together for these activities to encourage healthy lifestyles, personal safety and awareness of substance abuse.
Under the initiative, 332 yoga sessions saw 34,290 participants, 19,882 of them women, while 311 self-defence demonstrations reached 31,507 participants, among them 18,364 women. Another 180 community awareness activities drew 25,391 participants. The yoga sessions included the Common Yoga Protocol and relaxation techniques, underlining the value of physical well-being and stress management. The self-defence demonstrations centred on practical safety techniques, situational awareness and personal security, with particular relevance for young women.
Women made up 57.1% of overall participation, a sign of their strong involvement in the campaign. Notable participation by women was recorded in Regional Directorates such as Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna and Trivandrum. Partner organisations including Anuvrat Vishva Bharati Society, BAPS, Bharat Scouts & Guides and MY Bharat Kendras supported the activities.
The observance also achieved wide digital reach, as 4,197 social media posts were shared organically using the campaign hashtag #NashaMuktYuva.
By combining yoga, self-defence and community awareness, the initiative strengthens the part that physical fitness, mental well-being and personal resilience play in preventing substance abuse. Guided by the NSS motto, “Not Me, But You,” MY Bharat and NSS are using the 100 Week Sankalp Abhiyan to keep mobilising young people and communities towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat and an addiction-free India.