A youth from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sekhar Rao, has captured national attention with his solo awareness drive under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ campaign. The initiative, launched on June 26, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, began at the historic National Memorial Cellular Jail, symbolizing the enduring spirit of freedom and collective responsibility.
Over the past 110 days, Rao’s mission titled “Dekho Apna Desh, Apna Andaman” has traversed diverse terrains, carrying a message of unity, awareness, and social change. His effort, both symbolic and practical, underscores the campaign’s broader goal: to build a drug-free and progressive India through citizen-driven participation.
Starting his journey within the Islands, Rao covered major destinations including Bambooflat, Chouldari, Jirkatang, Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Little Andaman, and the southernmost Indira Point. At each stop, he interacted with residents, students, and community groups, spreading the message of a healthier, addiction-free lifestyle.
After completing the Andaman leg, Rao took his awareness journey to mainland India via Chennai, travelling across key cultural and urban centers such as Bengaluru, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Goa, Mumbai, Vadodara, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Agra, Delhi, and Amritsar. The journey symbolized an arc of unity, connecting India’s farthest corners through one shared theme, the resolve for a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Throughout the campaign, local administrations, institutions, and social organizations extended their support, recognizing the significance of a youth-led awareness effort. The Directorate of Social Welfare highlighted that such initiatives reflect the growing involvement of young citizens in shaping a healthier national future.
Rao’s campaign gained appreciation for its grassroots approach, engaging communities in dialogue rather than just disseminating messages. His route through schools, colleges, and public gatherings has created a network of informed participants who now carry forward the awareness locally.
The emphasis of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan lies in building collective consciousness against substance abuse through education and public participation. By personally undertaking the cross-country expedition, Rao has helped give a relatable human face to the campaign’s objectives.
His journey has also underscored the inclusivity of the movement. From the remote tribal belts of Little Andaman to the bustling lanes of Delhi and Amritsar, his travels highlight how the issue of drug abuse transcends geography and demands united efforts across all sections of society.
In the next phase, Sekhar Rao is set to continue his solo drive toward Jammu and Kashmir, concluding the campaign at the symbolic Lal Chowk. This concluding stretch, from the nation’s southernmost point to its northernmost landmark, mirrors India’s diversity and resilience in the fight against substance abuse.
Authorities view this campaign not only as a youth-led awareness mission but also as a reflection of civic responsibility at a time when drug-related challenges affect both urban and rural populations.
The Directorate of Social Welfare has expressed continued support for Rao’s mission, emphasizing that such youth-driven initiatives bring a personal dimension to national campaigns. With every kilometer covered, the campaign strengthens its message, that the journey to a drug-free India begins with individual awareness and action.
