- Thousands of students connect with CBSE through social media to discuss drug prevention, mental health, peer pressure and de-addiction
New Delhi, September 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) organised a special 45-minute interactive Talkathon on “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat”, bringing students, educators and experts together for a discussion on substance-abuse prevention and the importance of making healthy and responsible choices.
The initiative followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call on August 2, 2026, for a drug-free India by addressing the challenges associated with drugs and intoxicants.
The Talkathon was designed to engage directly with students through social media platforms and provide them with an opportunity to raise questions and discuss concerns related to substance abuse.
Students Connect with CBSE Through Social Media
CBSE invited students to submit questions on the topic through popular social media platforms using the hashtags #NashaMuktYuva and #CBSETalkathon.
The initiative focused on engaging young people directly and encouraging open discussion on issues that can affect their well-being and decision-making.
The programme addressed the broader objective of preparing young people to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Expert Panel Addresses Student Questions
An expert panel responded to questions submitted by students during the interactive programme.
The panel comprised:
- Prof. (Dr.) Nand Kumar, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi.
- Ms. Alka Awasthi, Principal, Mayoor School, Noida.
- Dr. Anees C., Additional Director, Narcotics Control Bureau, New Delhi.
The experts responded to questions as they came through the social media platforms and discussed concerns raised by students.
Mental Health, Peer Pressure and De-Addiction Among Key Topics
The questions raised during the Talkathon covered several concerns related to substance abuse and student well-being.
Key topics included:
- Mental health concerns.
- How students can deal with peer pressure.
- Steps related to de-addiction.
- Prevention of substance abuse.
- Making healthy and responsible choices.
The format allowed students to directly raise questions and receive responses from professionals and educators participating in the programme.
Students Host the Interactive Programme
The Talkathon was hosted by two Class XII students:
- Samiya, Class XII student of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sector 4, R.K. Puram, Delhi.
- Rohit Singh, Class XII student of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 3, Delhi Cantt.
The involvement of students as hosts was part of the programme's youth-focused format.
DD News Provides Technical and Production Support
The technical, production and logistical support for the programme was provided by DD News, the national public broadcaster.
The Talkathon was live-streamed through the official CBSE YouTube channel, allowing students and other viewers to follow the discussion online.
#CBSETalkathon Trends on Social Media
The programme received a strong response from young people on social media platforms.
According to CBSE, #CBSETalkathon trended at number one in India during the programme, reflecting the online engagement around the discussion.
The initiative provided a digital platform for students to openly raise questions about substance abuse, mental health, peer pressure and de-addiction.
Key Facts
- Organiser: Central Board of Secondary Education
- Programme: Interactive Talkathon
- Theme: “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat”
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Focus: Substance-abuse prevention and healthy, responsible choices
- Social media hashtags: #NashaMuktYuva and #CBSETalkathon
- Expert panel: AIIMS psychiatrist, school principal and Narcotics Control Bureau official
- Student hosts: Two Class XII students from PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalayas in Delhi
- Technical support: DD News
- Format: Social media-based interactive programme
- Social media response: CBSE stated that #CBSETalkathon trended at number one in India during the programme
FAQs
What is the CBSE Nasha Mukt Yuva Talkathon?
It was a 45-minute interactive programme organised by CBSE on the theme “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat”, focusing on substance-abuse prevention and healthy and responsible choices.
Why did CBSE organise the Talkathon?
The initiative was organised to engage students directly in discussions on drug-related issues and encourage awareness about substance abuse, mental health, peer pressure and de-addiction.
Who participated in the CBSE Talkathon?
Students, educators and experts participated in the programme. The expert panel included representatives from AIIMS, a school and the Narcotics Control Bureau.
What topics were discussed?
Student questions covered mental health, peer pressure, de-addiction and other issues related to substance-abuse prevention.
Which experts participated in the Talkathon?
The panel included Prof. (Dr.) Nand Kumar from the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS, Ms. Alka Awasthi, Principal of Mayoor School, Noida, and Dr. Anees C., Additional Director, Narcotics Control Bureau, New Delhi.
Who hosted the CBSE Talkathon?
The programme was hosted by Class XII students Samiya from PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sector 4, R.K. Puram, Delhi, and Rohit Singh from PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 3, Delhi Cantt.
Which hashtags were used for the programme?
Students were invited to raise questions using #NashaMuktYuva and #CBSETalkathon.
Where was the Talkathon streamed?
The programme was live-streamed on the official CBSE YouTube channel.
What was the social media response to the programme?
CBSE stated that #CBSETalkathon trended at number one in India during the programme.
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