Saini Urges Youth to Shun Drugs, Says Healthy Youth Key to State and Nation’s Growth
Chandigarh, July 13 — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday participated in a half marathon in Kaithal, sending a strong message against drug abuse and encouraging the youth to embrace a healthy lifestyle. The event, held on Ambala Road, drew thousands of participants, including Paralympic medalist Harvinder Singh and mountaineer Reena Bhatti, who served as brand ambassadors for the run.
Addressing the massive crowd before flagging off the marathon, CM Saini emphasized that Haryana’s youth have been united in fighting drug abuse for nearly a decade and a half. He highlighted recent large-scale initiatives, including a state-wide cyclothon against drugs that saw participation from over 750,000 youths, alongside various marathons organized in different districts.
The Chief Minister himself joined the run to motivate the youth, urging them to stay healthy and stand united against drugs. “Drugs are a social evil that not only destroys an individual but weakens families and society as a whole,” he said. “Our youth are the future of the country. Today, I urge you all to pledge not only to stay away from drugs yourselves but also to encourage others to do the same.”
He stressed that a drug-free Haryana is not just a slogan but a collective resolve that demands everyone’s cooperation. “If we eliminate drugs, our youth will remain healthy, and society, the state, and the nation will move forward on the path of progress,” he said. CM Saini connected the mission to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, noting that youth would play a crucial role in achieving that goal.
CM Saini expressed confidence that Haryana’s dream of becoming drug-free will soon be realized, given the massive participation of students, sportspersons, police personnel, and volunteers in Sunday’s event.
He outlined several government initiatives aimed at keeping youth away from drugs, including expanding sports infrastructure and organizing awareness programs like marathons under the Haryana Uday initiative. Additionally, the state has launched the “Dhakad School” program at schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions to protect children and youth from substance abuse.
Further, the Chief Minister said the government is planning more outreach programs under the Chief Minister’s Outreach initiative to foster stronger coordination between the police and the public.
He also underlined the state’s strict action against those involved in the drug trade, while appealing to parents to spend time with their children and guide them away from bad influences.
During the event, CM Saini ran alongside young participants, inspected stalls set up along the route, and awarded prizes to the marathon winners.
The event was attended by MLA Satpal Jamba, former Minister Kamlesh Dhanda, former MLA Leela Ram, Kulwant Bazigar, the CM’s Special Executive Officer (Community Policing & Outreach) Pankaj Nain, Deputy Commissioner Preeti, and SP Astha Modi.
