The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organized a nationwide 'Health Walk/Run – Step Up, Stay Addiction-Free' on October 1st, 2026, as part of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign. The event aimed to promote physical activity, healthy lifestyle choices, and substance abuse prevention.
On October 1st, 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through MY Bharat-National Service Scheme (NSS), organized a nationwide 'Health Walk/Run – Step Up, Stay Addiction-Free' as part of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign. This event was conducted across 198 targeted institutions and their adopted villages, mobilizing youth and communities around the message of healthy and addiction-free living.
The nationwide initiative aimed to promote regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices while creating a visible demonstration of young people’s commitment towards an addiction-free society. The events commenced with guided warm-up sessions led by physical training instructors and fitness club trainers, followed by flag-offs by local sports officials, youth leaders, and other dignitaries.
In addition to the Health Walk/Run component, several locations also incorporated Heritage Walks, enabling participants to combine physical activity with an appreciation of local history and heritage. These walks provided an opportunity for youth to engage with their communities while promoting fitness, outdoor activities, and a sense of pride in local heritage.
As part of the initiative, the Nasha Mukt Yuva Sankalp was also featured, through which participating youth pledged to maintain a substance-free lifestyle and contribute towards creating awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse. Volunteers used banners, placards, and slogans along the routes and at event venues to reinforce the campaign message and shared information on available counselling and support services.
The nationwide drive witnessed 1,11,112 participants. The Health Walk/Run component recorded participation of 39,288 youth, comprising 19,012 male and 20,276 female participants, covering a cumulative distance of 712.3 kilometres. The Heritage Walk component witnessed participation of 30,986 youth, including 15,964 male and 15,022 female participants, covering a cumulative distance of 573 kilometres. In addition, 40,838 young individuals, comprising 19,885 male and 20,953 female participants, took the Nasha Mukt Yuva Sankalp.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
