Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat : Traditional Sports – NSS Unit 218

NSS Unit 218 of Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, organised the programme “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat – Traditional Sports” on 23 October 2026 under the scheme of the 100 Weeks Nasha Mukti Yuva Abhiyan, with the support of the Regional Directorate of NSS, Chennai. The programme aimed to create awareness among young people about the harmful effects of substance abuse and to promote a healthy, disciplined, and drug-free lifestyle through the revival of traditional sports.
The programme was presided over by Dr. A. Arunachala Rajan, Vice Principal, Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi. In his presidential address, he emphasised the importance of youth participation in traditional sports and encouraged students to adopt healthy habits, self-discipline, and positive recreational activities. He highlighted the role of educational institutions and the National Service Scheme in creating a drug-free society and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Mr. S. Kannan, Indian Railway Technician, Tirunelveli; Secretary, Thoothukudi Amateur Kho Kho Association; and Former National Kho Kho Player, participated as the Chief Guest and Resource Person.
He delivered an awareness lecture on the significance of traditional sports in developing physical fitness, mental strength, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. He explained how active participation in sports can help young people stay away from substance abuse and use their leisure time constructively. He also motivated the NSS volunteers to preserve and promote traditional Indian games among the younger generation.
The programme featured the following activities:
Awareness Lecture on Traditional Sports: An informative session was conducted to explain the importance of traditional sports in maintaining physical and mental well-being and encouraging a drug-free lifestyle.
Nasha Mukt Yuva Pledge: The NSS volunteers took the pledge to support the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan and contribute to building a healthy, responsible, and substance-free society.
Kho Kho Demonstration: A demonstration of Kho Kho was conducted to familiarise the volunteers with the rules, techniques, and physical benefits of this traditional Indian sport.
Silambam Demonstration: The volunteers witnessed a demonstration of Silambam, a traditional Tamil martial art, highlighting its importance in physical fitness, concentration, self-discipline, and cultural heritage.
These activities helped the participants understand the value of traditional sports as a means of promoting healthy living, preventing substance abuse, and preserving India’s sporting traditions. A total of 212 NSS volunteers actively participated in the programme. Their enthusiastic involvement reflected their commitment to the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan and the promotion of traditional sports and healthy lifestyles among young people.