The future is in our hands. Let us choose a Nasha Mukt Odisha
From awareness and prevention to rehabilitation, the fight against substance abuse requires government action—and the active participation of families, schools and communities
By Dr Satyajit Nayak, IPS
Substance abuse is not merely an individual problem; it is a serious social challenge with consequences for public health, family welfare, education, employment and community safety. Drug and alcohol addiction can damage physical and mental well-being, disrupt families and contribute to wider social problems, including crime and social vulnerability. Recognising the scale of the challenge, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan on August 15, 2020, with the objective of creating greater awareness about substance abuse, reducing demand for drugs and strengthening prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts. Odisha has carried this national mission forward through the Nishamukta Odisha Abhiyan, with the larger vision of making the State free from the menace of drugs and substance abuse by 2029. At the heart of this mission is a simple but powerful question: What kind of Odisha do we want to build for the next generation? The answer must be an Odisha where young people are healthy, educated, confident and able to pursue their dreams without the destructive influence of addiction.
Protecting the promise of youth
India has one of the world’s largest young populations, making its youth a critical force in shaping the country’s future. Yet substance abuse can divert young people from education, careers and productive lives. Addiction rarely begins with the intention of destroying a life. It can start with experimentation, curiosity or peer pressure—often accompanied by the belief that “trying it once” will cause no harm. That is why prevention and early awareness are so important. Young people need to understand that refusing drugs is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it takes confidence and courage to say no when faced with peer pressure. A simple “No, thank you. I don’t do drugs” can sometimes protect an individual’s health, aspirations and future.
The role of friends, parents and teachers
Peer groups have enormous influence during adolescence and young adulthood. Positive friendships can encourage education, sports, creativity and personal growth, while negative peer pressure can push vulnerable young people towards harmful substances. A true friend should encourage another young person to study, play, participate in activities and build a meaningful future—not compromise health or dignity. Parents and teachers also have an important role. Warning signs of substance use should not automatically be met with anger, humiliation or social isolation. Young people facing addiction need support, guidance and access to professional assistance. The message must be clear: seeking help is a sign of strength, not shame.
Beyond enforcement
The fight against drugs cannot be won through enforcement alone.
A comprehensive response requires three interconnected approaches: controlling the supply of illicit substances through effective law enforcement; reducing demand through sustained public awareness and prevention; and ensuring treatment, counselling, rehabilitation and social reintegration for those affected by addiction. Police and other enforcement agencies have an important responsibility to act against drug trafficking and criminal networks. At the same time, schools, colleges, parents, community organisations, youth clubs and civil society must work together to prevent young people from becoming vulnerable to substance abuse. Sports, yoga, meditation, music, art, reading, volunteering and other constructive activities can provide young people with healthy alternatives that build confidence, discipline and a sense of purpose.
Schools as the frontline of prevention
Educational institutions can become powerful centres of the Nasha Mukt Odisha movement. Awareness programmes, counselling, workshops, debates, sports activities and youth-led campaigns can help students understand the physical, psychological and social consequences of substance abuse. More importantly, students themselves can become ambassadors of the campaign. A young person who chooses to reject drugs can influence friends. A student who speaks openly about the dangers of addiction can help break misconceptions. A supportive peer can encourage someone struggling with substance use to seek assistance. The message should therefore travel beyond the classroom—to homes, neighbourhoods and communities.
A responsibility shared by society
A drug-free Odisha cannot be created by government agencies alone. It requires a collective social commitment. The Government can frame policies and enforce laws. The police can target traffickers and criminal networks. Schools can create awareness. Health professionals can provide treatment and rehabilitation. Parents can guide their children. Communities can identify vulnerabilities and support those in need. But the success of the mission ultimately depends on how society responds collectively. We must create an environment where young people feel comfortable seeking help, families are willing to discuss substance abuse without stigma, and communities refuse to normalise harmful consumption.
A pledge for the future
The vision of Nasha Mukt Odisha is ultimately a vision for a healthier and stronger generation. It is an Odisha where children can pursue their education with confidence; where young people choose sports, innovation and creativity over intoxication; where families are protected from the devastating consequences of addiction; and where communities work together to prevent substance abuse and support recovery. The choice before us is clear.
Protect the body. Protect the mind. Protect the dream.
The future of Odisha is too valuable to be surrendered to addiction. Nasha Mukt Odisha must therefore become more than a government programme—it must become a shared social commitment. If government, police, schools, families, communities and young people stand together, the vision of a healthier, safer and drug-free Odisha can become a reality
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