E-ISSN:2456-3110

Editorial

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 4 APRIL
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: Harnessing Ayurveda, Yoga, and Spirituality for a Healthier India

Ganer JM1, Baragi UC2*
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.4.1

1 Jyoti M Ganer, Associate Professor and HOD, Department of Agadtantra Evum Vidhi Vaidyak, Uttaranchal Ayurvedic College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

2* Umapati C Baragi, Associate Professor and HOD, Dept of Samhita Siddhanta and Sanskrit, Faculty of Ayurved, Main Campus, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

The Drug-Free India Campaign (Nashamukti Abhiyan) is a transformative initiative aimed at eradicating substance abuse in India. Given the alarming rise in drug addiction, particularly among youth, this movement integrates Ayurveda, Yoga, and Spirituality to offer a holistic path to recovery. Conventional de-addiction treatments often focus on withdrawal symptoms and rehabilitation, but Ayurveda provides a sustainable approach by addressing the root causes of addiction, detoxifying the body, and restoring mental balance. Therapies like Panchakarma, Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy), and Medhya Rasayana (cognitive enhancement) help eliminate toxins, rebuild strength, and improve emotional resilience. Yoga plays a crucial role in recovery, enhancing physical well-being, emotional stability, and self-discipline. Specific yogic practices, such as Pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation, help addicts regain mental clarity and resist cravings. Additionally, Satvavajaya Chikitsa, a psychological and spiritual therapy in Ayurveda, helps individuals overcome addiction through self-awareness, mental fortitude, and community support. By integrating these ancient healing sciences into the Drug-Free Bharat Abhiyan, a more sustainable and effective model for de-addiction can be established. To ensure long-term success, efforts must include awareness campaigns, government support, community participation, and dedicated rehabilitation centres that combine Ayurvedic and yogic therapies. A drug-free India is achievable, but it demands collective responsibility and action. By embracing Ayurveda’s wisdom, spiritual teachings, and yogic discipline, India can reclaim its purity and offer a healthier future for generations to come.

Keywords: Drug-Free India Campaign, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Nashamukti Abhiyan, Ayurveda and de-addiction, Panchakarma detoxification, Rasayana therapy, Medhya Rasayana, Satvavajaya Chikitsa, Mind-body balance

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Umapati C Baragi, Associate Professor and HOD, Dept of Samhita Siddhanta and Sanskrit, Faculty of Ayurved, Main Campus, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
Email: 		Ganer JM, Baragi UC, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: Harnessing Ayurveda, Yoga, and Spirituality for a Healthier India. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(4):1-3.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4545/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-03-19 2025-03-28 2025-04-08 2025-04-18 2025-04-28
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None Nil Not required 11.41

© 2025 by Ganer JM, Baragi UC and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Jyoti M. Ganer et al. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

Introduction

India, a land of rich heritage and diverse landscapes, is home to ancient civilizations, vibrant cultures, and modern innovations. Known as Bharat, it is a country of deep spiritual traditions, with sacred rivers, historic temples, and philosophies like Yoga and Ayurveda shaping its identity. However, the growing issue of substance abuse threatens this sacred identity. The Drug-Free Bharat Abhiyan, or Nashamukti Abhiyan, aims to eliminate drug addiction and restore societal harmony.[1] While modern rehabilitation methods focus on withdrawal management, Ayurveda, Yoga, and Spirituality offer a comprehensive and sustainable path to recovery, addressing the root causes of addiction while promoting holistic healing.

Understanding the Drug Menace in India

Substance abuse has increased significantly, particularly among the youth, due to stress, peer pressure, and easy availability of narcotics. Addiction not only affects individuals but also disrupts families and weakens communities. Without intervention, the future of many remains uncertain.

Ayurveda: A Holistic Approach to De-Addiction

Ayurveda focuses on balancing body, mind, & soul. Its therapies go beyond symptom management, targeting underlying causes of addiction through natural detoxification & mental healing.

Ayurvedic Methods for Recovery

  • Panchakarma Detoxification: Deep-cleansing therapies such as Virechana (purging) and Basti (medicated enemas) remove toxins accumulated through prolonged substance abuse.
  • Rasayana Therapy: Herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, & Shatavari restore physical vitality & emotional resilience, reducing withdrawal symptoms.
  • Medhya Rasayana (Cognitive Enhancement): Ayurvedic formulations like Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) and Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) help rebuild cognitive function, memory, and emotional stability, crucial for long-term recovery.

The Role of Yoga and Pranayama in De-Addiction

Yoga is a powerful tool for overcoming addiction,

fostering self-discipline, emotional balance, and physical healing.

  • Asanas for Recovery: Postures like Shavasana, Vrikshasana, and Bhujangasana help in calming the nervous system, reducing anxiety, and improving overall well-being.
  • Pranayama for Detoxification: Breathing techniques such as Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and Bhastrika (forceful breathing) enhance lung function, purify blood, and reduce cravings.
  • Meditation for Mental Strength: Daily meditation practices train the mind to resist temptation, enhancing focus and willpower to overcome addiction.

Satvavajaya Chikitsa: The Power of Mental and Spiritual Healing

Ayurveda emphasizes Satvavajaya Chikitsa, a therapy that strengthens the mind through spiritual guidance and psychological counselling. Addiction often stems from emotional distress, unresolved trauma, or a lack of purpose. Satvavajaya Chikitsa focuses on:

  • Building Inner Strength: Helps individuals develop resilience against negative influences.
  • Spiritual Awakening: Encourages self-reflection and spiritual growth, reinforcing positive habits and self-discipline.
  • Community Support: Involves group counselling, family therapy, and guided meditation, ensuring emotional stability and long-term recovery.

The Need for an Integrative Approach

For the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to succeed, Ayurveda, Yoga, and Spirituality must be integrated into existing rehabilitation efforts. Partnerships between government agencies, Ayurveda practitioners, yoga trainers, and mental health experts can create an impactful, sustainable recovery framework.

Key Steps Toward a Drug-Free India:

  • Ayurvedic Detox & Yoga Centres: Establish centres offering Panchakarma therapy, Yoga classes, and meditation sessions for addicts.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate the youth about the benefits of natural healing over substance abuse.

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Jyoti M. Ganer et al. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

  • Policy Advocacy: Push for government recognition of Ayurvedic and yogic rehabilitation methods in national de-addiction programs.

Conclusion

The Drug-Free India Campaign (Nashamukti Abhiyan) represents a transformative movement rooted in Ayurveda, Yoga, and Spirituality, offering a holistic and sustainable approach to addiction recovery. By addressing the root causes of substance abuse, detoxifying the body, and fostering mental resilience, this initiative provides a path to lasting well-being. The integration of Panchakarma, Rasayana therapy, Medhya Rasayana, and Satvavajaya Chikitsa strengthens individuals physically, mentally, and emotionally, while yogic practices reinforce discipline and self-awareness.

However, the success of this mission depends on collective action—government support, community participation, structured rehabilitation, and widespread awareness. A drug-free India is not just an aspiration but an achievable reality. By embracing the wisdom of Ayurveda, the discipline of Yoga, and the strength of spiritual teachings, the nation can restore its purity and create a healthier future for generations to come.

References

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