Chief Minister flags off Drug-Free Uttarakhand Walkathon
Fight against drugs is not just of the government and police, but a shared responsibility of the entire society: Chief Minister
Youth should not only participate but also lead the drug de-addiction campaign: Chief Minister
Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday flagged off the ‘Drug Free Uttarakhand Walkathon’ organized by the ONGC Officers Association at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Ground, ONGC, Dehradun, and also administered the oath for a drug-free Uttarakhand. On this occasion, the Chief Minister called upon all participants, including youth, to actively participate in building a drug-free Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister said that the Drug-Free Uttarakhand Walkathon is not just an event, but an important campaign to create awareness in society and give the message of building a healthy and empowered Uttarakhand. Such events increase public awareness about the ill-effects of drugs and inspire youth to move forward in a positive direction. He appreciated the office bearers of the ONGC Officers Association, the organizers and especially Shri Devendra Singh Bisht for this initiative.
The Chief Minister said that drugs affect not only the health and future of an individual but also his family and society. If a youth who should have books in his hands, who should showcase his talent on the sports field and build his future with hard work, falls prey to drugs, then along with his dreams, the hopes of the family are also affected. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to keep youth away from drugs and channel their energy and talent in the right direction.
The Chief Minister said that the youth are the biggest strength of the state. Youth should move ahead in life on the strength of their talent, confidence and hard work. To stay away from drugs, it is essential to make sports, yoga and exercise a part of daily life. Good company, positive thinking and a healthy lifestyle lead youth towards a better future. He called upon the youth to not only stay away from drugs themselves but also make their peers aware of its ill-effects.
The Chief Minister said that the fight against drugs cannot be won only with the efforts of the government and the police. For this, parents, teachers, social organizations and every section of society will have to discharge their responsibility. The message of de-addiction has to be taken from schools, colleges, workplaces and playgrounds to every home and every village. He told the youth that they should not remain mere participants in this campaign, but should lead it and become an inspiration for others.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is continuously making efforts to make the state drug-free. Along with action against those involved in the illegal drug trade, special attention is also being paid to public awareness, de-addiction, treatment and rehabilitation. He said that it is also necessary for persons affected by drug addiction to get proper guidance, counseling, treatment and emotional support from the family. To achieve the goal of a drug-free Uttarakhand, better coordination between effective action as well as social awareness and rehabilitation efforts is necessary.
The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand is not only Devbhoomi but also the land of bravehearts, ascetics and rich cultural traditions. Our young generation has to carry forward this glorious heritage and achieve new accomplishments in the fields of education, skill development, sports, startups, innovation and entrepreneurship. The government’s effort is that the energy of the youth should be used in the development of the state and the country and they should get maximum opportunities to hone their talent.
The Chief Minister said that the resolve of a drug-free Uttarakhand should not be limited to any one event, but it should be made a part of one’s conduct, thoughts and behavior. He called upon everyone to spread the message of ‘Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life’ to every person. The Chief Minister said that with collective efforts and public participation, only a healthy, strong and drug-free Uttarakhand can be built, where every youth progresses with his talent and hard work and the future of every family is safe and happy.
On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Shri Khajan Das, MLA Smt. Savita Kapoor, Vice Chairman of Uttarakhand State Backward Class Welfare Council Shri Ashok Verma, Dr. Vikas Loiwal, President of ONGC Officers Association Shri Devendra Singh Bisht and other dignitaries were present.
