Create social media content against drug menace: PM Modi’s message to youth

PM Modi expressed concern over the drug menace among India’s youth and urged content creators and influencers to campaign for a drug-free younger generation.

NEW DELHI: Flagging the dangers of drug addiction and its impact on not just individuals but also families and society, PM Narendra Modi Sunday urged the youth to make “creative efforts” to strengthen campaigns against the menace, including through social media.“Can you come up with a powerful slogan for a drug-free India? Can our young musicians create songs that convey the message of a drug-free life? Can students and theatre groups write touching short plays that highlight the dangers of drugs while also showing the path to recovery? Our country has no shortage of excellent content creators. I urge them to create content in various languages that helps society in this endeavour,” Modi said in Mann Ki Baat, his monthly radio address. He urged young people and those in the creative field to share their work on social media using the relevant hashtag.“Often, creative efforts prove more impactful than formal campaigns. Let us all play our part in this noble mission to keep India’s youth away from drugs and free from addiction,” Modi said, while commending those who are spreading awareness and helping people struggling with addiction.PM also highlighted the economic opportunities opening up for women and girls in India, including in space sector, and the benefits of PM SVANidhi scheme, which provides subsidised loans to street vendors. He also lauded cleanliness initiatives undertaken by citizens across the country, including during Amarnath yatra.Referring to PM SVANidhi scheme, Modi said it was helping women street vendors expand their businesses, increase their incomes and improve their families’ financial prospects. “Women account for approximately 46% of beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi. This means that around 35 lakh women across the country are expanding their businesses through this scheme,” he said.

PM also highlighted India’s growing leadership in space technology and women-led development while praising ‘Mission ShaktiSAT’ initiative. He said it is bringing together thousands of girl students from across the world. “Through this mission, 12,000 girl students from 108 countries are getting the opportunity to learn satellite technology and advance in the field of innovation,” he said.