1.75 Lakh+ Participation Recorded Across 167 Educational Institutions; 48,500+ Youth Receive Health Check-ups
PIB
New Dehli, : The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through the National Service Scheme (NSS), launched the “My Health, My Pride” initiative on September 25, 2026, as part of the NashaMuktYuva for Viksit Bharat campaign.
The nationwide effort aimed to enhance health, nutrition, and wellness awareness while addressing the harmful effects of substance abuse among youth. The initiative engaged 167 educational institutions and their associated villages, attracting a total participation of 175,368 individuals. Key activities included health screenings and expert-led awareness sessions, with 48,556 youth aged 15-18 receiving health check-ups and BMI assessments in collaboration with District Health Authorities. Two significant sessions focused on nutrition and the impact of addiction, engaging 64,938 and 61,874 participants, respectively. Additionally, around 62,000 young people took the Substance-Free Pledge, emphasizing the campaign’s commitment to prevention and informed decision-making. The program also featured participation from local leaders and medical professionals, with 95 institutions hosting experts to inaugurate events and interact with attendees. Notably, female youth represented a substantial portion of the participants, accounting for 53% in nutrition sessions and 52.6% in de-addiction sessions. The initiative is part of a broader 100-week campaign structured around four pillars: Prevent, Protect, Recover, and Lead, with the first cycle focusing on health, fitness, and life skills. The campaign demonstrated flexibility in adapting to local conditions, with some activities postponed due to regional observances and adverse weather. These will be rescheduled accordingly. Overall, the “My Health, My Pride” initiative underscores the importance of awareness, preventive health measures, and informed choices in fostering a healthier, substance-free youth community.
