CM Saini Encourages Youth to Embrace Health, Reject Drugs at Sonepat Marathon

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini made a passionate appeal to young people to adopt healthy lifestyles and stay away from drugs while flagging off the 'Half Sonepat Marathon – Run against Drugs' at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST) on Sunday. 

Speaking to a large gathering of participants and spectators, Saini emphasized that the development of both country and state begins with healthy individuals creating a healthy society. "The main aim of organizing this event is to create awareness against drug abuse so that Haryana can be made drug-free," the Chief Minister said. 

United Front Against Drug Abuse 

The Chief Minister called for societal unity in tackling drug addiction. "This run inspires us to walk together, creates awareness towards sports, and mobilizes the entire society against drug abuse. Such events not only create social awareness but also instill enthusiasm and excitement in all of us," he remarked. 

Saini also took the opportunity to wish everyone on the occasion of Navratri before returning to the event's central message. "It is important for a healthy society that it should be free from evils like drug addiction. For this, we have expanded sports facilities in the state." 

Part of Broader Fitness Campaign

The marathon is one of many fitness-focused events being organized across Haryana, including raahgiri gatherings. The Chief Minister connected these local efforts to the national 'Fit India' programme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2019.

"The Prime Minister has made fitness an integral part of the lifestyle of the common man. Along with this, India has also given the basic mantra of yoga to the whole world," Saini noted. 

Multi-pronged Approach to Addiction

The Chief Minister outlined the state government's comprehensive strategy to combat drug addiction, which includes:

• Teams formed from village to state level for de-addiction and rehabilitation
• The "Dhaakas" programme in colleges, universities, and educational institutions 
• Collaboration with saints, voluntary organizations, and civil organizations
• Promotion of sports to keep youth engaged in healthy activities 

Haryana Uday Programme

Saini highlighted that the marathon was organized under the state's Haryana Uday programme, which has already conducted 2,482 events with participation from 1.65 million people. These events include raahgiri, cyclothons, sports competitions in areas affected by crime and drug addiction, de-addiction campaigns, and other community initiatives. 

The event featured 21-kilometer, 10-kilometer, and 5-kilometer runs, with the Chief Minister administering an anti-drug oath to the young participants. Cultural performances, anti-drug songs, and gymnastics demonstrations by students from Sports School, Rai, added to the day's significance. 

Several dignitaries attended the event, including Cabinet Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, BJP state chief Mohan Lal Badoli, local MLAs, Mayor Rajiv Jain, and other officials.