Dr. Chinmay Pandya Calls for Addiction-Free India, Emphasising Family Bonds and Spiritual Awakening
Addressing the AWGP ‘Centenary Celebrations 2026’ in New Delhi, Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Chinmay Pandya underscored that national progress relies on building an addiction-free society, narrating clinical insights and tribal wisdom from Bastar to demonstrate that true fulfillment stems from inner purpose and strong family values rather than material excess.
New Delhi: Addressing thousands of delegates and prominent spiritual leaders at the Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Pariwar’s (AWGP) ‘Centenary Celebrations 2026’ in the national capital, Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Chinmay Pandya delivered a moving address calling for deep introspection, moral accountability, and an urgent national movement against addiction.
Opening his speech with the sacred Gayatri Mantra, Dr. Pandya reflected on the centenary convergence marking the birth centenary of revered Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma, 100 years of the continuous sacred flame (Akhand Deep), and a century of spiritual sadhana by founder Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. Welcoming Union Social Justice Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar and ISKCON Bangalore President Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, he highlighted the shared historic bonds and spiritual philosophies uniting the institutions in nation-building and addiction eradication (Vyasanamukti).
Dr. Pandya raised serious concern over the staggering crisis of substance abuse in India, noting that nearly 27 crore individuals struggle with tobacco, 16 crore with alcohol, and 8 crore with various synthetic and chemical substances. With half the eligible adult and youth population vulnerable to addictions, he asked who would secure the nation’s future if citizens fail to shoulder collective responsibility.
Drawing upon his psychiatric practice in London, Dr. Pandya recounted treating a 27-year-old Cambridge topper suffering severe cocaine-induced visual hallucinations. Despite receiving lavish gifts—including luxury sports cars and a helicopter—the young man’s inner life lacked purpose and guidance, driving him into severe substance abuse. Dr. Pandya shared how that same youth later travelled to Bastar in Chhattisgarh, where witnessing an impoverished tribal farmer radiating joy because of loving family ties transformed his perspective. Realising that happiness resides within authentic relationships and inner values, the young man returned home to reconcile with his family.
Highlighting the extensive presence of over 700 Gayatri Pariwar centres in Bastar and the dedicated workers from Chhattisgarh at Shantikunj, Dr. Pandya concluded that solving addiction requires more than government enforcement; it demands internal purification, spiritual grounding, and strengthening the institution of the family.
You can watch the full spiritual proceedings on YouTube via the Grand Deep Mahayajna Centenary Celebration.