PM Modi Highlights Women’s Empowerment, Calls For Stronger Fight Against Drug Abuse

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for greater public participation in the campaign for a drug-free India, urging young people, musicians, students, theatre groups and content creators to use their creativity to spread awareness about addiction. He made the appeal during the 137th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, where he focused on the role of youth in addressing social challenges and highlighted issues linked to women’s empowerment. Modi said the fight against addiction requires sustained awareness and participation across society, particularly from young people who can influence their peers through creative and digital platforms.

The Prime Minister encouraged young Indians to create content that could support the campaign against drug abuse and communicate its message in ways that connect with wider audiences. He pointed to the growing influence of digital content and creative expression in shaping public conversations, particularly among younger generations. “Our country has no shortage of excellent content creators,” Modi said, calling on creators to contribute to the effort. His appeal covered a broad range of creative communities, including musicians, students, theatre groups and others who can use their platforms to communicate messages about the harmful effects of addiction.

The emphasis on youth participation reflected Modi’s broader call for young citizens to become active contributors to social campaigns rather than remaining passive recipients of awareness messages. Students and young content creators, in particular, have access to platforms that can quickly carry messages across communities and social networks. By encouraging them to develop original material, the Prime Minister sought to make the campaign more relatable and accessible. Music, theatre, short-form digital content and other creative formats can provide alternative ways of discussing addiction and its impact, while helping awareness messages reach people who may not engage with conventional public campaigns.

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Modi also used the programme to underline the importance of women’s empowerment and the contribution of women to the country’s development. The focus on women alongside youth reflected two important areas of public participation that have featured prominently in government initiatives and national discussions. Greater opportunities for women in education, employment, entrepreneurship and community leadership have increasingly been linked to broader social and economic progress. By highlighting women’s empowerment during the programme, Modi placed the issue within the larger theme of citizen participation and encouraged continued attention to the role women can play in shaping India’s future.

Mann Ki Baat has served as a platform for Modi to discuss issues that extend beyond day-to-day government policy and to highlight social initiatives, community efforts and individual contributions from across India. The monthly programme has regularly featured themes involving public participation, social responsibility, young people, women and efforts to address challenges affecting communities. In the latest episode, the Prime Minister’s focus on addiction prevention sought to encourage citizens to contribute to awareness efforts through their own skills and platforms. His message placed particular importance on using creativity as a tool for social communication.

The call for a drug-free India comes against the broader challenge of substance abuse and addiction, which can affect individuals, families and communities in different ways. Public awareness is an important component of prevention efforts, particularly when messages are designed to reach young people before harmful patterns become established. Modi’s appeal therefore sought to involve a wider network of communicators in the campaign, including those working in music, education, theatre and digital media. By asking creators to produce content supporting the campaign, he encouraged them to turn their reach and creativity into tools for public awareness.

The 137th episode ultimately brought together several themes centred on participation and social responsibility. Modi urged young people to use their creative abilities to support the campaign against addiction while also drawing attention to women’s empowerment and the importance of their contribution to national development. His message was directed not only at institutions but also at citizens, artists, students and digital creators who can influence public attitudes through their work. The appeal for a drug-free India thus formed part of a wider effort to encourage citizens to take an active role in addressing social concerns and promoting positive change.

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