The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has extended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Art of Living under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). The agreement was signed at the Ministry’s office in New Delhi to strengthen awareness, prevention, and community mobilization against substance abuse across India.
Official Signing Ceremony Details as Ministry Extends MoU with Art of Living
Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar, Secretary Shri Sudhansh Pant, and Joint Secretary Dr. Sandeep R. Rathod presided over the event. Senior representatives from both organizations formalized the execution:
- Department Representative: Shri Astik Kumar Pandey, Director (Drug Prevention)
- Art of Living Signatory: Shri Pankaj Narula, Trustee and Authorised Signatory
- Official Witnesses: Smt. Shabnam Awasthi (State Apex Member) and Shri Vinay Sharma (Volunteer)
Strengthening Community Mobilization and Value-Based Living
This renewed partnership advances a whole-of-society approach to combat substance use disorders. Spiritual and humanitarian organizations play a critical role by utilizing grassroots networks to reduce stigma, foster family resilience, and encourage timely rehabilitation.
To date, the Ministry has partnered with 12 spiritual organizations under the NMBA campaign. Key partners alongside The Art of Living include Brahma Kumaris, Sant Nirankari Mission, ISKCON, Shri Ram Chandra Mission, All World Gayatri Pariwar, and the University of Patanjali.
Source: PIB
