Haryana CM flags off half-marathon; Asks youth to join in fight against drug abuse
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday appealed to the youth to stay healthy and join forces in the fight against drug abuse, aiming to make Haryana State a completely drug-free State. After flagging off a half marathon on Ambala road in Kaithal on Sunday morning, Saini further said that for the past ten and a half years, the youth of Haryana have been actively and unitedly fighting against the menace of drug abuse across the state.
Recently, a state-wide Cyclothon Yatra was organized as part of this campaign, witnessing the participation of over 7.5 lakh young individuals. In addition, marathons and similar events are being held in various districts to further strengthen awareness efforts.
Saini also took part in the half marathon alongside the youth. Paralympic medallist and half marathon brand ambassador Harvinder Singh, along with mountaineer Reena Bhatti, also took part in the event.
Addressing thousands of participants, Saini said that a drug-free Haryana is not merely a slogan but a collective resolution that requires everyone’s united effort to achieve.
He emphasized that drug addiction is a grave social evil that not only destroys the individual but also devastates families and weakens the fabric of society. “It adversely impacts both physical and mental health, and erodes social harmony,” he said. Highlighting the crucial role of young people in nation-building, the Chief Minister stated, “Our youth are the future of the country.” He called upon them to take a firm pledge that they will neither indulge in drug use nor allow others around them to fall into the trap, instead spreading awareness to combat this menace.
Saini emphasized that ending drug addiction would lead to healthier youth, propelling the progress of society, the state, and the nation.
He said that a drug-free Haryana is not merely a slogan but a collective resolution that requires everyone’s united effort to achieve. Expressing confidence after witnessing thousands of school and college students, athletes, police personnel, and volunteers participating in today’s event, he said, “I am certain that our dream of making Haryana drug-free will undoubtedly become a reality.”
The Chief Minister stated that sports facilities across the state have been expanded to promote the health of youth and keep them away from drug addiction. Additionally, youth are being encouraged to avoid drugs through events such as marathons organized under the Haryana Uday program. He further highlighted the launch of the “Dhakad” initiative at schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions, aimed at protecting children and youth from drug abuse. The Chief Minister also mentioned that under the Chief Minister’s Community Policing Outreach Program, more such initiatives will be conducted to foster cooperation and harmony between the police and the public.
He said that alongside raising awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse, the State Government is taking strict action against those involved in the drug trade. He urged parents to spend quality time with their children and, if a young person falls into bad company, to make every effort to help them escape that harmful environment.
