Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off the drug-free Uttarakhand walkathon organized at the ONGC Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Ground on Friday. Organized by the ONGC Officers’ Association, the Chief Minister also administered the oath of a drug-free Uttarakhand to the participants. He urged youths to stay away from drugs, make others aware, and take the lead in the anti-drug campaign.
The Chief Minister stated that the drug-free Uttarakhand walkathon is not merely an event, but a campaign conveying the message of building a healthy and empowered state. Such programs increase awareness of the ill effects of drugs and inspire youth to move forward in a positive direction. He praised the office-bearers and organizers of the ONGC Officers’ Association, especially Devendra Singh Bisht, for this initiative.
Dhami noted that addiction harms an individual’s health and future while also impacting their family and society. The energy and talent of youth should be utilized in education, sports, and creative pursuits. He advised youths to incorporate sports, yoga, and exercise into their daily routines, keep good company, and move forward with positive thinking. He stated that youth should stay away from drugs themselves and make their peers aware of the adverse consequences.
The Chief Minister stated that the fight against drugs cannot be won solely through the efforts of the government and police. The participation of parents, teachers, social organizations, and every section of society is essential. The message of drug eradication must be taken from schools, colleges, workplaces, and sports grounds to every home and village. He said that youth should not just be participants in this campaign, but leaders who inspire others.
Dhami said that the state government, alongside taking action against those involved in the illegal drug trade, is also focusing on public awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation. Providing proper guidance, counseling, medical treatment, and emotional family support to those affected by addiction is vital. Better coordination between legal action and social awareness is necessary to achieve the goal of a drug-free Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister stated that Uttarakhand’s young generation must achieve new milestones in education, skill development, sports, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The resolve for drug eradication should not remain limited to a single event; rather, it should become part of people’s thoughts, values, and behavior. He appealed to everyone to spread the message of “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life” among the masses.
Cabinet Minister Khajan Das, MLA Savita Kapoor, Uttarakhand State Backward Classes Welfare Council Vice-Chairman Ashok Verma, Dr. Vikas Loiwal, and ONGC Officers’ Association President Devendra Singh Bisht, along with other dignitaries, were present at the event.
