CM leads from front at Dabwali Youth Marathon, champions fitness and drug-free Haryana Statesman News Service

As part of the Haryana Uday Programme, a Youth Marathon was organised on Sunday in Dabwali, Sirsa. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini flagged off the marathon and also ran alongside participants to inspire the youth towards fitness and a drug-free lifestyle.

The event began at 5 am with a half-marathon, followed by 10 km and 5 km races that witnessed enthusiastic participation from the youth and residents.

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Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that drugs are a deep-rooted menace that weakens the very foundation of society and jeopardises the future of the nation. He emphasised that both the Central and State governments are committed to eliminating this scourge by making the anti-drug campaign a mass movement.

Drawing parallels with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Fit India Movement, he highlighted Haryana’s unique initiatives such as Raahgiri, Cyclothon, Marathon, and Dhakad to promote healthy lifestyles and combat drug abuse.

The Chief Minister informed that Haryana Uday is the state’s largest outreach programme to date. Under this initiative, 2,482 programmes have been organised across Haryana, engaging more than 16.5 lakh people. Alongside awareness drives, strict action is being taken against drug suppliers through district, range, and state-level Anti-Narcotics Cells.

He added that the government is equally focused on rehabilitation. Currently, 162 de-addiction centres are operational in the state. Specialised wards have been set up in government medical colleges, and de-addiction centres are functioning in district hospitals across 13 districts.

During the event, the Chief Minister administered a Drug-Free Haryana Pledge to the public. More than 35 sarpanches joined the marathon and honoured Nayab Singh Saini with a traditional turban.

The programme also featured cultural performances, including awareness songs by popular artists MD (Desi Rockstar) and Subhash Fauji, a thought-provoking play “Nasha Ek Abhishaap” by KL Theatre, and vibrant presentations by school children.