Haldwani, April 12 (H.S.) — Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday flagged off the “Run for Awareness” rally in Haldwani, organized under the Drug-Free Uttarakhand campaign. Thousands of youth, students, public representatives, and prominent citizens participated in the event.

Before flagging off the rally from MB Inter College ground, the Chief Minister said that today’s run is not just about physical exercise, but a march towards a healthy, prosperous, and drug-free Uttarakhand. He added that as participants move forward, the message should spread across the state that the youth of Uttarakhand are saying “no” to drugs and “yes” to life.

He said that drug abuse is spreading like a “silent war,” with the youth being its biggest target. Often, young people fall into addiction casually, but it becomes extremely difficult to come out of it. This not only affects individuals but also puts the happiness of entire families at risk.

The Chief Minister said that inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” launched in 2020, the state government is working in mission mode in this direction. The Anti-Narcotics Task Force, formed in 2022, has arrested thousands of accused and seized large quantities of narcotics. Additionally, Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) centers are being operated, and such centers are also being established in all government medical colleges.

He further stated that to channel the energy of youth in a positive direction, “Dagadiya Clubs” have been formed, encouraging young people to stay away from drugs. He urged the youth to understand that the fight against drugs cannot be won by laws alone — awareness and participation of society are equally important. Everyone must pledge not only to stay away from drugs themselves but also to spread awareness among friends and society. Only with strong determination, not mere formality, can the goal of a drug-free Uttarakhand be achieved.

He added that Uttarakhand is known for its spiritual heritage, cultural values, and energetic youth. If the youth move in the right direction, they can play a vital role in the development of the entire nation. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also administered an anti-drug pledge.

The event was attended by Dr. Swami Rameshwaram Hari, RSS North Region Contact Head Dr. Harish Rautela, Shyam Agarwal, Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaida, Haldwani Mayor Gajraj Singh Bisht, BJP District President Pratap Bisht, Bharat Bhushan, Dr. Ashok Pal, Vice Chairman of Farmers Commission Surendra Singh Namdhari, Shankar Koranga, Shanti Mehra, Dr. Anil Kapoor Dabbu, Renu Adhikari, Dhruv Rautela, Suresh Bhatt, former Mayor Yogendra Singh Rautela, along with Kumaon Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Rawat, District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, SSP Dr. Manjunath T.C., and others.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar