•  Rajyogi Dr. Banarsil Sah, Secretary, Medical Wing, Brahma Kumaris, Mount Abu

•  Dr. Swapan Gupta, Associate Professor of Neurology, GB Pant Institute, New Delhi

•  Rajyogini BK Narmada, Centre In-charge, and members of Brahma Kumaris, Aizawl

•  Special invitees

•  Dear friends

I welcome all of you at the Raj Bhavan, as we inaugurate the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan by the Brahma Kumaris in Mizoram.

The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched on 15th August, 2020 by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

This movement aims to create mass awareness about the ill effects of substance abuse.

On March 4, 2023, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Brahma Kumaris signed an MoU to spread the message of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan among students, women, and the youth.

Today’s programme marks the inauguration of the Brahma Kumaris activities in Mizoram in this regard.

The issue of drugs and substance abuse is extremely alarming in the State of Mizoram.

While our state is blessed with valuable peace, and although we perform well on various human development indicators, it is unfortunate that we are afflicted with the menace of drug abuse.

I have been told that this problem has become immensely widespread, affecting the youth and even our school children.

I am aware that various stakeholders have given concerted efforts to tackle this issue.

The Government itself is pursuing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan at different levels.

Religious bodies have taken action to the best of their abilities.

The civil society groups and the NGOs, especially the YMA, have also contributed immensely in this fight.

However, I believe we can all agree that much more needs to be done, and that help from all sources must be welcomed.

Here, the Brahma Kumaris can add a new dimension in our fight against drugs.

The Brahma Kumaris are well-known for their focus on spirituality and meditation.

Their healthy lifestyles are testament to their strong resolve and discipline.

I urge the people of Mizoram to keep an open mind, and to welcome all available tools in our shared fight against substance abuse.

I request the teachers present today to carefully consider the methods being discussed here, and to create opportunities for the Brahma Kumaris in your schools.

I also urge the school students present here to make a strong pledge to stay away from drugs, and to spread this message to your friends.

As I have mentioned, our State is blessed with beautiful forests, excellent climate, and above all, peace.

I have seen that the youth of Mizoram are talented in so many fields.

We must make all efforts to win in our fight against drugs, so that our youth can reach their full potential, and lead us towards development.

Towards this end, I invite all stakeholders to renew our efforts with greater vigour.

And I repeat that we must keep an open mind in welcoming all methods to strengthen our endeavour.

In conclusion, I convey my best wishes to the Brahma Kumaris in this noble initiative.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.