At the prestigious Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya delivered a stirring address, imploring young Indians to take cues from ISRO astronauts in forging a path free from narcotics. The gathering underscored the youth’s indispensable role in transforming India into a global powerhouse by 2047.
Mandaviya recounted ISRO’s triumphs, from Chandrayaan to Aditya-L1, attributing them to the unyielding spirit of its young scientists and astronauts. ‘If they can dream of touching the moon, you can dream of a drug-free life,’ he motivated, addressing the pervasive issue of substance abuse that threatens India’s demographic dividend.
The event’s agenda included workshops on leadership, innovation, and public health. Astronauts engaged in Q&A sessions, revealing how they maintain peak physical and mental fitness amid high-stakes missions. Participants absorbed lessons on perseverance, applying them to real-world challenges like peer pressure and stress.
Highlighting government schemes, Mandaviya spoke of expanded rehabilitation centers and school-based awareness drives. ‘Nasha-free youth are our strongest asset for Viksit Bharat,’ he affirmed, integrating the message with calls for excellence in education and technology. Youth leaders presented innovative ideas, from app-based reporting of drug peddlers to space-themed fitness challenges.
The dialogue ended on an optimistic note, with a mass oath-taking ceremony. As India eyes its developed nation status, events like these reinforce that empowered, healthy youth will lead the charge, inspired by those who have already made the country proud on the global stage.