Latest news with #YouthSpiritualSummit
Time of India
7 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
National Sports Bill: How is it different from National Sports Code?
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya addresses the Youth Spiritual Summit (PTI Photo) With the introduction of the National Sports Governance Bill in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, India has taken a big step towards joining powers like the USA, UK, China, and Japan which have laws in place for streamlined administrative set-ups. The bill, once it becomes an act, will complete a journey that started back in 2011 when the then Sports Minister Ajay Maken began his push for a legislation to set some benchmarks for the sports administrators. The mostly long-serving administrators were and still are often accused of indulging in power struggles, infighting, financial misappropriation and showing a distinct lack of intent to overcome any of these issues. But with the new bill, accountability will be in place through a National Sports Board, a National Sports Tribunal and the National Sports Election Panel. All of this took shape over months of dialogue that current Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya undertook with stakeholders, soon after taking charge last year. Once the bill was finalised, Mandaviya gave due credit to Maken, his political opponent from the Congress party, for "doing good work in shaping the National Sports Code, 2011" which was in operation till now. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo Bombay Sport Exchange Episode 1: Interview with Sanjog Gupta, CEO (Sports) at JioStar "The National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 established good governance practices for sports bodies, essential for healthy development of sports in the country," stated the objectives of the new bill. Here's a look at the timeline of how the code turned into a bill with significant changes. The Journey In 2011, the Ministry prepared Draft National Sports Development Bill and placed it before Cabinet for approval. However, it was met with vehement opposition due to strict capping of age and tenure for administrators. In July 2013, the Ministry prepared a revised Draft National Sports Development Bill and placed it in public domain to invite suggestions and comments. However, this Bill was not pursued and a year later, the Delhi High Court upheld the Sports Code 2011. In 2015, a Working Group was constituted for re-drafting of National Sports Development Code, 2011. But the inclusion of Indian Olympic Association top brass in this group was challenged in the Delhi High Court as a case of conflict of interest. In 2017, a Committee was constituted under then sports secretary Injeti Srinivas, to prepare the '(Draft) National Code for Good Governance in Sports, 2017'. Olympic gold medal-winning shooter Abhinav Bindra, and other sports greats like Anju Bobby George, and Prakash Padukone, along with then then IOA head Narinder Batra were among the members in the committee. The Draft Sports Code was also challenged in the Delhi High Court, which ordered that committee's report be submitted to it in a sealed cover. In 2019, the Ministry constituted an Expert Committee under Justice (Retd.) Mukundakam Sharma to review the Draft Sports Code 2017 and "suggest measures for making it acceptable to all the stakeholders". That same year, the Delhi High Court stayed the constitution of this committee, an order that is in effect till date. In October 2024, the Draft National Sports Governance Bill was released to the public for comments and suggestions. There were extensive consultation sessions held with the IOA, the National Sports Federations, athletes, coaches, legal experts and even private bodies that are involved in athlete management. The bill was also shared with the International Olympic Committe and International Federations including World Athletics, FIFA, and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) among others. The ministry received "over 700 responses" as part of the feedback from various stakeholders, including general public before it finally made its way to the Parliament. Poll Do you believe the National Sports Governance Bill will improve accountability in Indian sports administration? Yes, definitely No, not really The differences with Sports Code Age Cap: While the Sports Code capped the age of administrators at 70, the new bill allows an office-bearer to complete his/her tenure if they were less than 70 at the time of filing nominations. A further relaxation of another five years has been made for contesting elections if the international statutes and byelaws allow for it in the concerned sports body. Tenure: The Sports Code allowed three terms with a cooling off period after two terms for the President and two terms for Treasurer and Secretary. The new sports bill allows office-bearers (President, Secretary General and Treasurer) to serve three consecutive terms of a maximum of 12 years and remain eligible for election to the Executive Committee after a cooling off period. "This has been done to ensure continuity and also to keep competent people within the system," a sports ministry source said. Executive Committee: The sports code had no provision for mandatory women's representation in the committee whose strength was capped at 15. The new bill mandates that at least four members of the EC must be women along with two sportspersons of outstanding merit. Regulatory Body: The sports code had no provisions for a regulatory body to oversee NSFs, leaving the power to recognise or derecognise in the hands of the sports ministry. But the sports governance bill outlines the creation of a National Sports Board which will fulfill this role. The National Sports Tribunal, which will adjudicate sporting disputes, the National Sports Election Panel to oversee polls in NSFs and the Ethics Commission were not a part of the Sports Code. All these bodies will have a significant role to play once the bill becomes an act. PTI For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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.
Hindustan Times
21-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Kashi Declaration advocates consensus against drug abuse
The Youth Spiritual Summit on the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat concluded at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi on Sunday with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration that affirmed a national consensus to tackle substance abuse as the event marked a key moment in the country's journey toward a drug-free society by 2047. Dr Mansukh Mandaviya speaking at the Youth Spiritual Summit on the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat in Varanasi on Sunday. (HT Photo) The Kashi Declaration also emphasised integrating spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological efforts to prevent addiction and support recovery. It proposed institutional mechanisms for multi-ministerial coordination, including the formation of a Joint National Committee, annual progress reporting and a national platform for linking affected individuals to support services. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit gathered over 600 youth leaders, representatives from 120+ spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, academicians, and domain experts. 'The Kashi Declaration is not just a document, but a shared Sankalp (resolve) for the Yuva Shakti of Bharat,' stated Union minister for youth affairs and sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. 'Bharat's Spiritual strength has always guided Bharat through its crises. This is why spiritual institutions must now lead the charge in creating a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat. They will serve as the backbone of this Maha Abhiyan,' he added. Himachal Pradesh governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said: 'This sacred land of Kashi is the cradle of Sanatan Chetna (eternal consciousness), where discipline and values guide life's journey towards moksha. We are not just gathering; we are sowing seeds that will one day grow into a strong tree of national transformation.' He further cautioned: 'If a nation where 65% of the population is youth falls prey to addiction, only those who break free from it will be able to build the future.' The summit featured deliberations across four plenary sessions. These deliberations formed the foundation of the Kashi Declaration that will serve as a guiding charter, with progress to be reviewed during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026. The keynote address of Session 4 was delivered by Nitin Agarwal, minister of state (independent charge) for excise and prohibition, Uttar Pradesh. Several dignitaries participated in sessions. They included Union minister for social justice and empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar, Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Uttar Pradesh minister for labour and employment Anil Rajbhar, Union minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai, Union minister of state for youth affairs and sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse and Uttar Pradesh sports minister Girish Chandra Yadav. Khadse highlighted the misuse of digital platforms targeting school children and reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy.
Hindustan Times
20-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Mandaviya calls for spiritual institutions to lead 'Nasha Mukt Yuva' campaign at Kashi Summit
Varanasi , Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday called on spiritual institutions to lead the campaign for a drug-free India, describing them as the backbone of the "Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat" initiative. Mandaviya calls for spiritual institutions to lead 'Nasha Mukt Yuva' campaign at Kashi Summit Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the summit saw participation from over 600 youth leaders, over 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, academicians, and domain experts. The event was seen as a key step towards achieving a drug-free society by 2047. Speaking at the Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi, where the Kashi Declaration was formally adopted, Mandaviya said, "Bharat's spiritual strength has always guided Bharat through its crises. This is why spiritual institutions must now lead the charge in creating a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat." "We have reflected deeply over the last three days across diverse thematic sessions. Based on this collective discussion, the Kashi Declaration is born, not just as a document, but as a shared Sankalp for the Yuva Shakti of Bharat," the minister added. The Kashi Declaration affirms a national consensus to address substance abuse as a multi-faceted public health and societal challenge, and calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Key proposals include setting up a Joint National Committee, regular progress reporting, and a national support platform for affected individuals. The summit featured four plenary sessions on the psychological and societal impacts of drug abuse, trafficking networks, awareness strategies, and the role of spiritual and cultural bodies in rehabilitation and prevention. Echoing the spiritual tone of the summit, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said, "This sacred land of Kashi is the cradle of Sanatan Chetna, where discipline and values guide life's journey towards moksha. We are sowing seeds that will one day grow into a strong tree of national transformation." He warned that a country where 65 per cent of the population is youth cannot afford to fall into addiction. "Only those who break free from it will be able to build the future," he said. Under the MY Bharat framework, the summit has laid the foundation for a national youth-led anti-drug campaign. Volunteers and youth clubs will lead pledge campaigns, awareness drives, and community outreach efforts. The Kashi Declaration will serve as the charter for these initiatives and its progress will be reviewed during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in 2026. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hans India
20-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Varanasi youth summit: Kashi Declaration adopted for drug-free society
Varanasi: The Kashi Declaration, affirming a national consensus to treat substance abuse as a multi-faceted public health and societal challenge and suggesting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, was adopted at the Youth Spiritual Summit here on Sunday. 'If a nation, where 65 per cent of the population is youth, falls prey to addiction, only those who break free from it will be able to build the future,' said Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. Addressing the Summit, the Union Minister said, 'We have reflected deeply over the last three days across diverse thematic sessions. Based on this collective chintan, the Kashi Declaration is born, not just as a document, but as a shared sankalp for the Yuva Shakti of Bharat.' The Youth Spiritual Summit on the theme Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat culminated at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi with the formal adoption of the Kashi Declaration. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Summit brought together more than 600 youth leaders, representatives from over 120 spiritual and socio-cultural organisations, academicians, and domain experts. The event marked a defining moment in Bharat's journey toward a drug-free society by 2047. This gathering represented a national convergence of youthful energy, spiritual vision, and institutional resolve. The Summit featured four focused plenary sessions exploring key dimensions of substance abuse: its psychological and societal impacts, the mechanics of drug trafficking and supply chains, strategies for grassroots awareness campaigns, and the role of spiritual and cultural institutions in rehabilitation and prevention. These deliberations formed the foundation of the Kashi Declaration, which is a visionary commitment to collaborative action against drug addiction, rooted in India's civilizational wisdom and youth leadership. The Declaration emphasises the integration of spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological efforts to prevent addiction, support recovery, and foster a national culture of sobriety, said a statement. It proposes institutional mechanisms for multi-ministerial coordination, including the formation of a Joint National Committee, annual progress reporting, and a national platform for linking affected individuals to support services.
