Lucknow, (Thestates.news)|Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that addiction is the cause of destruction and it is one of the reasons which destroys the youth and therefore it is better to stay away from it. The CM was addressing the people after inaugurating ‘Nasha Mukt Pradesh-Shashakt Pradesh’ (Drug Free State-Empowered State) campaign at KD Singh Babu stadium in Lucknow on the occasion of International Youth Day.
He also administered an oath to the youths belonging to various organisations, including NSS, Scouts and Guides, to have an addiction-free life on the occasion.Yogi said, “Addiction is the cause of destruction. It leads to the decline of youth and the farther we distance ourselves from it, the better we can foster healthy thinking.”The CM further said that it is imperative to connect the 9 crore youth of the state with this campaign in order to give their dreams new wings and to shape UP according to their aspirations.
He said that the theme of International Youth Day this year is ‘Green Skill for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World’. Yogi said, “According to this theme, it’s our collective responsibility to connect with this campaign which aims to make the most populous state, UP, addiction-free and subsequently empowered.” He said that UNICEF is associated with several programmes in the state. “Many diseases that have been plaguing the youth and children for years, including encephalitis, are now being addressed.
When organisations like UNICEF coordinated with the central and state governments, diseases like encephalitis were eradicated. Remember, if a government programme against diseases can achieve success, why can’t solutions be found for artificially induced diseases,” he said. The Chief Minister emphasised that while being youth individuals should be nurturing new dreams aligned with their personal, societal and national futures, but if they become addicted it renders them hollow from within, making them incapable of functioning effectively.
He said, “Their work ethic declines, their ability to think creatively diminishes and they become detached from campaigns requiring strong commitment. Eventually, they become passive and lose the potential to contribute positively towards the society,” Yogi said. Citing examples, the CM said that many people are addicted to tobacco and tobacco products, which damages their teeth. He said that it also has adverse effects on the tongue, the lungs, the oesophagus and the stomach.
He said that to make the state drug-free, the Youth Welfare Department is running an extensive public awareness campaign in collaboration with UNICEF. “Responding to the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a campaign is being carried out in the state to link its youth with these creative programmes,” Yogi said. He said, “In every village, there should be a playground, a mini stadium at every block level and a stadium in every district. All these programmes instil a sense of sportsmanship in the youth.”
The CM said that youth who excel in academics are being motivated for competitive exams and arrangements for their coaching are also being made. “In addition to SC-ST candidates, there is provision for the Mukhya Mantri Abhyudaya Yojana for other children,” he said.
Yogi asserted that the state government is working to connect 2 crore youth with technology by providing tablets and smartphones, aiming to enhance their skills. “Efforts are being made to make the state’s youth self-reliant, enabling the state and country to achieve self-reliance goals. Various initiatives have been undertaken at the government level to encourage sports and athletes,” he said.
The CM said, “The state government is giving a cash prize of Rs 6 crore at its level to an athlete who wins a gold medal in the Olympics. Athletes winning silver medals receive Rs 3 crore and even for winning bronze medals. Substantial rewards are also given for team games. Youths can also utilise the platforms provided by the double-engine government for both education and sports to grow and excel in their chosen fields.”
Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, Union Minister Kaushal Kishore, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister (Independent Charge) Girish Chandra Yadav, Mayor Lucknow Sushma Kharkwal, MLC Dr Mahendra Singh, MLAs Dr Neeraj Bora, Ambareesh Singh, MLC Mukesh Sharma, Ramchandra Pradhan, Engineer Avnish Kumar Singh, Umesh Dwivedi, Lalji Nirmal and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.(UNI)
Addiction leads to destruction; stay away from it: Yogi Adityanath
