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News18
7 days ago
- Health
- News18
A Call To Build A Drug-Free India
Addiction is not merely a chemical dependency; it is a symptom of inner unrest. The Hon'ble Prime Minister has called upon the nation to work together for a Viksit Bharat, a developed India, by 2047. A drug-free society is essential to this vision, where young people grow with health, purpose, and inner strength. This priority was reaffirmed in July 2025 during the Youth Spiritual Summit in Kashi, where the national pledge ' Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat" was taken by leaders from government, spiritual organisations, and civil society. The Prime Minister's Office described it as ' a major step in building a drug-free India". According to the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India (2018–19), about 7.3 crore Indians were addicted to some form of substance, including 1.2 crore children. This alarming data prompted the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to launch the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), focusing on prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration, with special attention on students and adolescents, our demographic dividend, and also among the most vulnerable groups. The effects of this are visible in schools, colleges, homes, and neighborhoods across the country. As the NMBA newsletter rightly notes, 'educational spaces must remain drug-free, safe, and nurturing environments where students can thrive and contribute to a Viksit Bharat." India is preparing to celebrate 100 years of independence in 2047. For that vision to be realised, our youth must be strong, not just physically and intellectually, but also emotionally and spiritually. Yet many young hearts are quietly struggling. They are not merely hungry for success or recognition; they are hungry for connection. When connection is lost, other struggles begin to take root, like anxiety, fear, and addiction. Addiction is not merely a chemical dependency; it is a symptom of inner unrest. When the heart feels empty and the mind has no anchor, people reach outside for relief. Alcohol, drugs, screens, these become escapes from a deeper ache. The Real Cure Begins With Reconnection When a person feels cut off, from meaning, from belonging, from inner strength, the mind becomes restless. The heart becomes numb. In this state, harmful habits thrive. Heartfulness addresses this root cause by restoring connection. Through simple practices, relaxation, meditation with yogic transmission, and a method called Cleaning, people begin to feel their inner space again. That space brings peace, clarity, and natural strength. Slowly, the need for escape vanishes. When we connect to the heart, and through it to the Source of peace within, life becomes meaningful again. This is the foundation for a drug-free life. We are not saying 'no". We are discovering a deeper 'yes". Our youth must be helped to say 'yes" to something real. That 'yes" begins with reconnection, with the heart, with higher purpose, and with the Source within. What the Kashi Pledge Says, and How We Support It The recent 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat" pledge from Kashi brings together leaders across sectors, recognising that building a drug-free India requires participation from all stakeholders, especially the government, civil society, educators, spiritual groups, families, and especially the youth. It calls us to serve, cooperate, and act. At Heartfulness Institute, we fully accept this responsibility. For years, we have helped individuals find inner balance. When the mind is serene and the heart is strong, the pull of harmful habits fades. Our efforts are part of this national mission. The Pledge calls for campaigns in schools, youth-led clubs, de-addiction awareness, and partnerships with spiritual and cultural groups. Heartfulness is actively contributing in each of these areas and will continue to do so: Kanha Shanti Vanam: National Centre for Capacity Building in Support of NMBA Training and Institutional Development As a designated National Centre for Capacity Building, Kanha Shanti Vanam will support the training and development of personnel and institutions engaged in the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan across India. We will conduct orientation sessions, counselor training, and integrated retreats that integrate Heartfulness practices with preventive and recovery support systems. It is also our vision to establish a Manobal Kendra in every city in India, centers dedicated to developing inner resilience and strength, contributing to a truly Viksit Bharat. Youth leaders, educators, families, and frontline volunteers will be equipped to support those at risk and help build drug-free communities rooted in emotional and spiritual well-being. Each gathering will also reaffirm our collective commitment through the Kashi Pledge, strengthening the shared resolve to create a healthier, addiction-free India. Awareness in Schools and Colleges We guide meditation sessions and relaxation exercises that help students experience calm, even if only for minutes. This experience continues to shape who they are. Alongside these sessions, we facilitate the Kashi Pledge in classrooms and assemblies, allowing students and teachers to come together in a shared commitment toward a drug-free learning environment. Through Heartfulness Youth Clubs, students meditate together, set positive goals, and support one another, creating networks of connection and belonging. Within these clubs, the Kashi Pledge becomes a natural part of the culture, an affirmation of their intent to live consciously and support one another in staying free from harmful influences. Our teams engage in prisons, rehab centres, and public events to share Heartfulness as a tool for both prevention and recovery. In each of these spaces, the Kashi Pledge will be introduced so that individuals can mark a turning point in their own journey toward balance and self-respect. Nasha Mukti App For those already struggling, our free app offers guided relaxation, short meditations, and progress tracking. It is a support tool and helps restore balance. Trainer Network Thousands of Heartfulness trainers across India offer one-on-one guidance, free of charge. Those seeking help can reach a nearby trainer. Support for Families Addiction affects entire families. We invite parents, spouses, and caregivers to attend sessions at our World Headquarters at Kanha Shanti Vanam for regular parenting sessions, so they can support recovery with patience and compassion. Training Volunteers We empower young volunteers to share these tools with peers, leading by their own transformation and example. Strength That Spreads A nation's strength rests in the inner condition of its people. When hearts are strong, minds are clear, and actions are guided by conscience, a society becomes resilient. This kind of inner balance begins with sincere practice. Even one person living with awareness brings calm into their surroundings. Families, schools, and communities begin to reflect that calmness. Change happens through example. Heartfulness remains committed to nurturing this strength, person by person, in every corner of the country. From Stillness to Service The Kashi Pledge is a collective commitment. It invites all of us to rise with sincerity and care. Let us ensure that every child is seen. Let every home become a place of calm and guidance. Let every young person know where to turn for help and inner strength. We encourage parents, teachers, and community leaders to come forward. Begin with five minutes of meditation. Use the Heartfulness tools that are freely available. top videos View all This is how a culture of clarity and connection takes shape. One small act at a time. Firmly together. Kamlesh D Patel, aka Daaji, is the President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Global Guide of Heartfulness. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : Drug Free India drugs view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 23, 2025, 13:03 IST News opinion Opinion | A Call To Build A Drug-Free India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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Business Standard
14-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Luxury rehab centres on the rise as affluent Indians seek mental care
Luxury rehabilitation centres are rapidly gaining popularity in India, fuelled by rising disposable incomes and growing demand from affluent individuals. These high-end facilities charge between ₹2 lakh and ₹12 lakh per month, significantly higher than the ₹30,000 to ₹1.5 lakh charged at standard centres. The size of the luxury rehab industry could not be determined due to a lack of data; however, several clinicians across the country pointed out that demand for high-end care is rising for a range of treatments for substance abuse, behavioural issues, chronic disorders and more. According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, India maintained an extensive network of rehabilitation centres in 2024, supported by both the government and various organisations. Under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), there were 345 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), 47 Community-Based Peer-Led Intervention (CPLI) Centres, 74 Outreach and Drop-In Centres (ODICs), and 105 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs). Additionally, 41 new ATFs were inaugurated on February 8, 2024. The premium cost covers not only upscale amenities such as private rooms, gourmet meals and holistic therapies but also exclusive, highly personalised care tailored to a comprehensive and discreet recovery experience. Dr Gorav Gupta, CEO and senior psychiatrist at Gurugram-based Tulasi Healthcare, noted that luxury rehabilitation centres in India are on the rise in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat and Maharashtra, driven by increasing disposable incomes and a growing preference for domestic treatment. Affluent individuals—including NRIs, celebrities, politicians and business professionals—who once sought care abroad are now opting for high-end facilities within India, drawn by comparable quality and a significant cost advantage. 'NRIs and affluent customers choose these high-end, premium rehabilitation centres because we can communicate with them in a culturally familiar way,' Gupta said. 'Another advantage is that similar treatment in the US can cost around $20,000 (approximately ₹17 lakh) per month, while in India, it ranges between ₹4–5 lakh for the same duration. In developed countries, legal constraints often limit patient retention, whereas in India, longer-term observation is permitted, offering more flexibility in care,' he added. Dr Rahul Chandhok, senior consultant and head of psychiatry, Artemis Lite NFC, highlighted: 'Clients today want individualised care, privacy and comfort. More people are becoming aware of mental health issues, holistic treatment is becoming more popular, and more rich people are looking for stress-free, personalised services. Better amenities and family involvement help people stay focused, calm their nerves and heal over time in caring, sophisticated settings.' Samarpan Rehabilitation Centre in Pune and Mumbai, Alpha Healing Center in Gujarat, Lotus Wellness and Rehabilitation Centre in Coimbatore, Veda Rehabilitation and Wellness in Mumbai, and Pema Wellness in Visakhapatnam are among India's luxury rehabilitation centres. These offer a wide range of treatments for substance abuse, behavioural issues, chronic disorders and more. Martin Peters, chief operating officer at Samarpan—a premium rehabilitation centre with a residential unit in Pune and outpatient centre in Mumbai, developed with an investment of ₹25 crore—noted that in recent years, a growing affluent population with higher disposable incomes has led to increased demand for comfortable, high-quality settings for mental health treatment, behavioural therapy and substance detoxification. Founded in 2021, Samarpan witnesses about 20 residential patients and 120 outpatients per month. It also plans to develop a luxury, state-of-the-art Purpose-Built Facility by 2027 for substance addiction treatment, eating disorders, a trauma programme for women and other services, across a 7-acre campus. 'At Samarpan, we have opened our doors to offer international standards of treatment—providing an alternative to Indians flying abroad for care,' said Peters. 'Around 40 per cent of our patients come from overseas, and of those, about half are NRIs. For them, treatment here is significantly more affordable, even in a luxury setting like ours, and our shared cultural competence helps us connect with patients on a deeper level.' Samarpan also caters to celebrities, business professionals and other high-profile clients, offering luxury amenities such as private villas, a gym, swimming pool, 24-hour nursing care, a spa and an on-site restaurant. Peters noted that treatment programmes range from 4 to 13 weeks, with villa accommodations priced between ₹3.5 lakh and ₹6.5 lakh, depending on patient preferences. Alpha Healing Center, under the clinical governance of Adayu, a Fortis Group company, noted that luxury rehabilitation is gaining traction nationwide due to its ability to merge clinical rigour with holistic wellness, privacy and cultural appeal. 'Growing mental health awareness, urbanisation and income levels have increased the demand for such services. Affluent Indian families now view addiction as a treatable condition rather than a cost advantage. India offers world-class treatment at 30–70 per cent lower cost compared to Western countries, attracting international clients including NRIs,' said Dax Patel, owner and managing director, Alpha. Founded in 2017, Alpha caters to NRIs and other affluent clients, offering rehabilitation packages ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹6.5 lakh, depending on the type of stay chosen. The centre provides treatment for substance abuse, behavioural disorders and mental health conditions such as trauma, depression, bipolar disorder and more. Alpha also features luxury amenities, including a detox facility, spa and massage room, yoga studio, snooker and table tennis areas, an in-house pharmacy, library and additional comforts. Speaking about the importance of rehabilitation, Dr Samir Parikh, consultant psychiatrist and chairperson of the Fortis National Mental Health Programme, said certain clinical conditions, such as substance use disorders, often require long-term care. 'Certain clinical conditions, including substance use addictions, where, because of the nature of the problem, individuals may have a long-standing concern requiring them to be in a long-stay facility where they can look at the overall impact. India's mental health infrastructure remains vastly inadequate relative to the growing demand.' He believes there is significant growth potential for luxury rehabilitation services. Dr Chandhok noted that of the 25 crore Indians affected by addiction, only 10 crore are officially recorded. Around 4 crore are fully dependent, and 2 crore inject drugs. Yet, just 2–3 per cent receive treatment. In FY23, India's rehab industry was valued at $17 billion, projected to reach $35 billion by FY28. Globally, addiction rehab is expected to hit $19.5 billion by 2025.
India Gazette
27-06-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
BL Verma attends 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' event on International Day against Drug Abuse in New Delhi
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Union Minister BL Verma attended the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' programme organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in New Delhi on Thursday, as per a press release. While speaking at the event, he said, 'Repercussions of substance use are not confined to the individual and his family; they ripple outward, affecting communities and contributing to broad societal changes and social stigma.' According to the official statement, the Minister highlighted and appreciated the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) scheme of the Ministry and explained how the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) has helped reduce the demand for drugs. He hailed the efforts of our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, in which the message - 'Say No to Drugs and Say Yes to Life' - would play a seminal role. The event took place at Bhim Auditorium, Dr Ambedkar International Centre, 15 Janpath, New Delhi, and began at 11:00 am. The programme aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction and strengthen the government's ongoing fight against substance abuse. As per the release, the nukkad natak and pantomime performance during the event enlightened the audience on how substance use disorder is an issue that is adversely affecting the social fabric of the country. Dependence on any substance not only affects the individual's health but also disrupts their families and the whole society. Regular consumption of various psychoactive substances leads to dependence in the individual. Some substance compounds may lead to neuro-psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, as well as accidents, suicides and violence. Substance use and dependence need to be viewed as a psycho-social-medical problem, and the performances highlighted. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal Ministry for drug demand reduction in the country. It has initiated the ambitious Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), which is currently operational in all districts of the country with an aim to create awareness about ill effects of substance abuse among the youth, with special focus on higher education institutes, university campuses, schools and reaching out into the community and garnering community involvement and ownership of the Abhiyaan, as per the official statement. The programme witnessed the participation of approximately 700 stakeholders, including Ministry officials, representatives of central ministries, spiritual organisations, academic institutions, NGOs/Voluntary Organisations, corporate entities, and youth volunteers. As a run-up to the day, all states/UTs and NGOs/VOs supported by the Department under NAPDDR across the country were requested to organise and conduct awareness programmes/events under NMBA from June 1st to 26th, 2025. With this programme, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment ensures to reach out to the Abhiyaan in the whole Country as Jan Andolan, as per the release. Each year, 26th June is observed as the 'International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking'. This year, the event included cultural programmes on drug prevention, mass pledge to create awareness about the importance of prevention and treatment of drug abuse, distribution of prizes to the winners of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan competitions organised on MyGov, etc. (ANI)
India Today
26-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Delhi minister urges universities to declare campuses drug-free zones
In a strong step toward combating substance abuse, Delhi's Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh has written to all vice-chancellors of universities in the capital, urging them to declare their campuses as 'Drug-Free Zones' and form 'Nasha Mukti Clubs' to spread awareness among appeal was made ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26. The Minister's letter highlights the vital role educational institutions play in shaping a drug-free future for TO TAKE LEAD IN ANTI-DRUG INITIATIVEThe Minister stated that drug addiction poses a grave threat not just to individuals but also to families and society. In his letter, Singh called on universities to become the 'first line of defence' in preventing drug abuse. He outlined a number of key actions universities must take:Establishing Nasha Mukti Clubs on each campus to lead peer-driven awareness campaignsDeclaring campuses as Drug-Free Zones, with visible signage and strict enforcement policiesAppointing nodal officers to coordinate all anti-drug effortsUploading all activities and progress reports to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) portal for proper monitoringENGAGING STUDENTS THROUGH CREATIVE OUTREACHTo boost participation and awareness, the Minister encouraged universities to organise student-friendly activities. These include street plays, short video competitions, cultural programmes, and sports events to spread the anti-drug message in an engaging alumni, and even social media influencers have been urged to take part in the campaign, helping to maximise its outreach.A dedicated WhatsApp group for nodal officers will also be created to coordinate efforts and share updates in Minister also reminded institutions to enforce the ban on the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of campus TO HOST MEGA EVENT ON JUNE 26To further promote the cause, the Delhi government organised a large-scale awareness event on June 26 at 9 am at the Yamuna Sports Complex. The event is expected to attract significant participation from students, faculty, and members of civil campaign is part of the nationwide Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, spearheaded by the Government of India to reduce drug demand and create a healthier society.- Ends
NDTV
25-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Declare Campuses Drug-Free, Form Nasha Mukti Clubs: Delhi Minister Writes To Universities
Ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26th, Delhi's Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh has now written to vice-chancellors of all universities in the capital, urging them to actively support the state's drug prevention campaign. The Minister has called for the immediate formation of 'Nasha Mukti Clubs' across campuses and the official declaration of university premises as Drug-Free Zones. In the letter, the Minister emphasised the critical role of the educational institutions in shaping a drug-free future for Delhi. "The dream of a healthy, empowered, and drug-free Delhi can only be achieved with strong public and institutional participation," he wrote. The initiative is part of the wider 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA)', a national campaign led by the Government of India for drug demand reduction. The Minister also invited university students to attend the mega event being organised by the state government at 9 am at the Yamuna Sports Complex. The event is expected to see widespread participation from students, educators, and civil society members. Universities Urged To take Lead In Anti-Drug Action The Minister in his letter has highlighted that drug addiction poses a serious threat not just to individuals, but to families and society at large. "Universities must act as the first line of defense against this menace," he said, urging institutions to take proactive measures such as: Establishing Nasha Mukti Clubs to create awareness and promote peer-led initiatives. Declaring campuses as Drug-Free Zones with visible signages and policy enforcement. Appointing dedicated nodal officers to coordinate anti-drug activities. Uploading progress and initiatives on the NMBA portal/app for monitoring and impact assessment. Engaging student volunteers, alumni networks, and social media influencers to amplify the campaign's outreach. Creative activities like street plays, short video contests, cultural events, and sports competitions to involve students in spreading awareness in an engaging manner. Further, institutions have been asked to ensure strict compliance with the ban on the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of campus boundaries. Coordinated Effort For A Drug-Free Delhi The Department of Social Welfare, acting as the nodal agency for drug demand reduction in Delhi, will create a dedicated WhatsApp group for university nodal officers to share campaign-related information, photographs, and progress updates. This, the Minister said, will enable better coordination and monitoring.
