New Delhi: The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment signed an NMBA MoU with Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram and the University of Patanjali in New Delhi to strengthen the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
The Department signed the NMBA MoU at Samrasta Hall in the Dr Ambedkar International Centre at 2 pm. Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virender Kumar attended the event. Senior officers of the Department and representatives of both spiritual institutions were also present.
Officials said the NMBA MoU formed part of a special initiative under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The initiative seeks active collaboration with religious and spiritual organisations. Authorities identified these institutions as key stakeholders due to their deep influence across communities.
The Department said the NMBA MoU would help spread the campaign message under the banners of spiritual bodies. Officials added that faith-based outreach could reach families and youth more effectively. They said such partnerships strengthen grassroots engagement.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Virender Kumar said the association with spiritual organisations would help turn NMBA into a mass movement. He stressed that drug addiction remained a serious social challenge. He said the issue required united action from every section of society.
The Minister urged organisations to guide diverted youth towards constructive paths. He said social responsibility must remain central to the Abhiyaan. He added that community participation would determine long-term success.
Officials said the signing of the NMBA MoU would accelerate on-ground implementation. They expressed confidence that the agreement would boost progress towards a drug-sensitive India.
NMBA MoU strengthens nationwide outreach and awareness drive
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan on August 15, 2020. The programme initially covered 272 identified vulnerable districts. Authorities later expanded it to all districts across the country.
Officials said NMBA focuses on spreading awareness about substance abuse. The campaign targets higher educational institutions, university campuses and schools. Authorities said early sensitisation plays a key preventive role.
Through sustained activities, NMBA has sensitised more than 25.7 crore people nationwide. This outreach includes over 9.2 crore youth and 6.3 crore women. Participation from 15.98 lakh educational institutions ensured wide coverage.
The Department has now signed NMBA MoUs with eight spiritual organisations. These include The Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris, Sant Nirankari Mission, ISKCON, Shri Ram Chandra Mission, All World Gayatri Pariwar, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram and the University of Patanjali.
Officials said awareness also spreads through NMBA’s official social media platforms. The NMBA website provides dashboards, discussion forums and an e-pledge facility. Authorities said digital tools have expanded citizen participation.
A nationwide NMBA pledge took place on August 12, 2024. About 3 crore people from over 2 lakh institutions participated. The Department also marked the fifth anniversary of NMBA with national events in 2025.
A major celebration took place on November 18, 2025, at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar. Over 10,000 participants attended physically. More than 6.3 crore people joined events nationwide across 2.10 lakh locations.
Officials said partnerships under the NMBA MoU framework would further strengthen long-term outcomes.
