Youth festival sets Guinness World Record for anti-addiction pledges

ISKCON has created a Guinness World Record for the ‘Most Pledges for Anti-Addiction’ during its annual youth festival, UDGAAR – An Expression of Goodness and Joy, held recently at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.

The event brought together around 15,000 young people from across the country. Organised under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the festival focused on the theme of “Culture and Wellness”, encouraging youth to take a stand against substance abuse and to lead healthier, more responsible lives. UDGAAR 2025 marked a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The initiative aimed to motivate young people to contribute to India’s social, economic and scientific growth through character-building and positive action. The event featured several highlights, including inspiring talks, performances and interactive sessions. Guests of Honour included Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture, and Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.

There were also motivational sessions by Dr Vivek Bindra and ISKCON leaders, along with a lively panel discussion featuring well-known speakers such as Sonu Sharma, RJ Raunak, and Alakh Pandey. Other attractions included a dance performance by Crazy Hoppers, a mime act by students from YMCA and Delhi University, and a drone show. The event concluded with a soulful kirtan led by HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj, leaving the audience inspired to take a collective step towards a healthier, addiction-free society.