Fight Drugs with Fitness: SAI’s ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ Drive Hits Gandhinagar
SAI Gandhinagar hosts a 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' awareness event under the Fit India Movement to promote fitness and a drug-free life for youth.
In a powerful move to steer the youth away from substance abuse and toward a healthier lifestyle, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Regional Centre Gandhinagar, recently hosted a Nasha Mukt Bharat awareness programme. Held at the Heartfulness Centre in Adalaj, Gandhinagar, the event was organised under the umbrella of the Fit India Movement in collaboration with MY Bharat.
Centred on the theme ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva, Viksit Bharat’, the initiative aimed to highlight the devastating effects of drug addiction while promoting the vital role of physical fitness in nation-building. The programme aligns with the vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya to create a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047 through a disciplined and drug-free youth population.
A Pan-India Gathering for a Cause
The event saw a massive turnout of approximately 500 young participants who travelled from various corners of the country. The attendees represented five different states—Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh—as well as the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
To foster a spirit of unity and healthy competition, participants were divided into state-based teams. The atmosphere was electric, filled with camaraderie and cheering as the youth engaged in various activity zones, demonstrating high energy and sportsmanship.
Pledging for a Drug-Free Future
The day began with a welcome address and a collective warm-up session to get the energy flowing. A key highlight of the morning was the presence of renowned mountaineer and Fit India Movement Brand Ambassador Nisha Kumari. She addressed the gathering and administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, where participants solemnly vowed to stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, committing themselves to making healthy life choices every day.
"I really liked today’s event, as it conveys the message of de-addiction to young people while also reviving traditional games that were once widely played. Many of these games are unfamiliar to today’s youth, so it is encouraging to see them being introduced through such initiatives." — Nisha Kumari
Reviving Heritage Through Play
Moving beyond speeches, the programme integrated fitness with fun. The event featured a unique blend of traditional Indian games and modern fitness challenges designed to test agility, speed, and coordination. The activities included:
- Traditional Games: Lagori, Tug of War, and Sack Race.
- Thematic Challenges: ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ Snakes and Ladders, ‘Knock Out Nasha’ Can Toss, and ‘Choose Fitness’ Ring Toss.
- Sports & Fitness: Fit India Fitness Challenge and a Penalty Shoot-out.
To keep the momentum high, a lively Zumba session was organised, using music and movement to reinforce the idea that staying active is not just a necessity, but an enjoyable experience.
Vision for 2047
The event was attended by Ishtpreet Kaur, Assistant Director of SAI Regional Centre Gandhinagar, who honoured Nisha Kumari with a memento for her contribution to the cause. Speaking on the broader goals of the initiative, District Youth Officer Ayush emphasised the need to channel youth energy in the right direction.
He stated that for India to achieve the vision of a developed nation by 2047, it is imperative that the country becomes completely free from the menace of drugs and substance abuse.
The day concluded on a high note with the felicitation of winners from the various traditional games and fitness zones, celebrating their enthusiasm and sporting spirit.