MY Bharat–NSS Launches Nationwide “My Health, My Pride” Campaign Under Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan

In a major push toward empowering the country's younger demographic with health awareness and a substance-free lifestyle, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through the National Service Scheme (NSS), successfully conducted nationwide “My Health, My Pride” activities on September 25, 2026. Part of the ambitious Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat – 100 Week Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan, this massive outreach aimed to inculcate vital habits centered around health, balanced nutrition, personal wellness, and stringent awareness regarding the hazards of substance abuse among India’s future leaders.

The nationwide campaign witnessed remarkable grassroots mobilization, reaching across 167 educational institutions and their designated adopted villages. With a consolidated participation of 1,75,368 individuals, the drive served as a comprehensive platform bringing together students, local leaders, and medical professionals for health screenings, expert-led lectures, and preventive awareness programs.

Key Highlights & Major Announcements

• Total Reach & Mobilization: Consolidated participation of 1,75,368 individuals across 167 educational institutions and adopted villages nationwide.
• Targeted Health Check-ups: 48,556 youth aged 15–18 years underwent comprehensive health check-ups and BMI assessments in collaboration with District Health Authorities and medical officers under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK).
• Expert-Led Sessions: 64,938 participants attended sessions on the “Importance of Nutrition & Good Health,” while 61,874 participants engaged in sessions focusing on the “Impact of Addiction on Good Health.”
• Substance-Free Pledge: Approximately 62,000 young individuals took a formal pledge against substance abuse, championing personal prevention and conscious choices.
• Women Empowerment: Female youth constituted a major driving force, accounting for 53.0% of participants in Nutrition & Health sessions and 52.6% in De-Addiction interactions.

Contextual Analysis of the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan

The Government of India recognizes that the vision of a developed nation (“Viksit Bharat”) rests squarely on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of its youth demographic. The “My Health, My Pride” activities are strategically placed under the ‘Prevent’ pillar of the larger 100-week Nasha Mukt Yuva campaign framework.

The overarching 100-week framework is meticulously structured around four critical pillars: Prevent, Protect, Recover, and Lead. The inaugural activity cycle focuses on three core themes: My Health, My Pride; Fit Youth, Addiction-Free Youth; and Life Skills Month. By embedding preventive health interventions directly into academic and rural ecosystems, the Ministry ensures continuous youth engagement through actionable fitness, community involvement, and holistic life-skills training.

Targeted Health Interventions for Adolescents (15–18 Years)

Adolescence represents a critical developmental stage where lifestyle habits, dietary preferences, and psychological behaviors are deeply entrenched. Addressing this demographic head-on, the campaign facilitated targeted health evaluations for 48,556 adolescents aged 15 to 18 years. Executed in seamless coordination with District Health Authorities and qualified medical officers under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), these screenings included vital Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments. Such structured medical interventions empower young participants to cultivate regular health monitoring habits and make informed nutritional decisions.

Engaging Communities and Inspiring Young Women

Community backing remains central to the success of any public welfare movement. The campaign saw active involvement from local leaders, dignitaries, and expert medical practitioners, with 95 institutions hosting these luminaries to inaugurate camps and mentor young participants. Notably, the campaign recorded phenomenal engagement from young women, who accounted for over 52% to 53% of participants across key nutrition and de-addiction sessions. This robust female participation underscores the inclusive nature of the mission, proving that health and de-addiction advocacy resonates deeply across all demographics.

Adaptability to Local Realities

Demonstrating high administrative responsiveness, the campaign successfully adapted to local observances and regional weather constraints. Certain scheduled activities were temporarily deferred due to regional celebrations—such as Anant Chaturdashi in Bihar and Jharkhand, and Ganesh Visarjan in Maharashtra and Goa—as well as severe cyclonic conditions impacting six institutions in Andhra Pradesh. Authorities have confirmed that these deferred events will be smoothly rescheduled in the affected regions.

“Awareness, preventive health interventions, and informed choices are foundational components in building a resilient, healthier, and completely Nasha Mukt youth community capable of driving India toward Viksit Bharat.”

Significance & National Impact

Substance abuse poses a multifaceted challenge to public health, socio-economic productivity, and national security. By proactively addressing vulnerability to addiction through educational institutions, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is steering the narrative from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. The mobilization of nearly 1.75 lakh citizens in a single synchronized push signals a monumental shift in societal attitudes toward health and wellness.

Integrating nutrition and wellness education with de-addiction counseling equips young minds with the psychological and physical resilience needed to reject substance use. Furthermore, the systematic tracking of BMI and overall health parameters among adolescents aids in early identification of nutritional deficits, aligning closely with national public health goals such as the Poshan Abhiyaan and Ayushman Bharat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main objective of the "My Health, My Pride" campaign?

The campaign focuses on promoting overall health, balanced nutrition, physical wellness, and generating robust awareness regarding the harmful effects of substance abuse among young people under the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan.

2. Which government body organized this nationwide initiative?

The nationwide initiative was organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through the National Service Scheme (NSS).

3. What age group was prioritized for health check-ups and BMI assessments?

Youth in the 15 to 18 years age group were specifically prioritized for health screenings and BMI assessments conducted in coordination with RBSK medical officers.

4. How many pillars support the overall 100-week Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan framework?

The framework is structured around four primary pillars: Prevent, Protect, Recover, and Lead.

Official Source & Verification

This article is grounded on the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India (Release ID: 2315165, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports). Access the official document: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2315165&lang=1.