‘A Nation’s Greatest Strength Is Its Youth’: Chief Minister Urges Young People to Choose Fitness, Discipline and Purpose Over Addiction

Yamunanagar | Pen of Democracy News Desk

Delivering one of the strongest public messages against substance abuse in Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday led a record-breaking anti-drug marathon in Yamunanagar, where nearly 70,000 participants came together to pledge their support for a drug-free society. Organised under the banner “Nashe Se Jung – Yamunanagar Ke Sang”, the event witnessed an overwhelming response from students, youth, women, senior citizens, sportspersons, educational institutions, social organisations and people from neighbouring states.

Flagging off the marathon, the Chief Minister described the event as a people’s movement rather than a sporting competition, saying that the future of India depends on a healthy, disciplined and addiction-free younger generation.

“The greatest wealth of any nation is its youth. Young people are not merely the present—they are the architects of the future. If our youth remain healthy, disciplined and free from addiction, the dream of a Developed India will undoubtedly become a reality,” Saini said while administering an anti-drug pledge to thousands of participants gathered for the event.

The Chief Minister appreciated the extraordinary turnout and said it was heartening to witness children, students, women, senior citizens and young professionals standing together with a common resolve to eradicate drug abuse from society.

“This is not an ordinary marathon. It is a celebration of Haryana’s values, culture and collective determination to defeat one of society’s greatest evils. Today, Yamunanagar has shown the entire state that when society stands united, no challenge is impossible to overcome,” he said.

Drawing a sharp contrast between the choices before today’s youth, Saini remarked that one path leads towards education, sports, health and success, while the other leads towards addiction, crime and destruction.

“Every young person today stands at a crossroads. One road leads to life, development and achievement, while the other leads to darkness and ruined dreams. I have complete faith that the youth of Haryana will always choose the path of progress, discipline and nation-building,” he added.

Emphasising that the campaign extends beyond a single day’s event, the Chief Minister said the marathon symbolises a long-term social movement against substance abuse. He urged citizens to carry the message into every village, town, educational institution and household.

“This five or ten-kilometre run is only symbolic. The real journey is our collective mission to eliminate drug addiction from society. The voice raised today from Yamunanagar will echo across Haryana and inspire thousands more to join this campaign,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of physical fitness, Saini referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Fit India Movement, stating that India has emerged as a global ambassador of wellness through the International Day of Yoga. He said initiatives promoting sports, exercise and healthy living are among the most effective ways to keep young people away from drugs.

The Chief Minister also made a heartfelt appeal to parents, urging them to spend quality time with their children and maintain open communication within families.

“In today’s fast-paced world, parents must regularly talk to their children and understand their emotional well-being. Loneliness and lack of communication often push youngsters towards addiction. Strong families are the first line of defence against drug abuse,” he observed.

Praising Haryana’s sporting achievements, Saini said the state’s youth continue to make the country proud by winning medals in the Olympics, Paralympics and international competitions, besides serving the nation with distinction in the armed forces.

“Our youth have proved their capability on every global platform. Their energy and talent should always be channelled towards sports, education, innovation and national service—not towards destructive habits,” he said.

Calling for collective action, the Chief Minister appealed to public representatives, government departments, educational institutions, NGOs, religious organisations and social groups to transform the anti-drug campaign into a sustained mass movement.

Top Finishers Receive Cash Awards

Following the marathon, Chief Minister Saini felicitated the winners of the 10-kilometre race.

In the men’s category, Mohit from Mahendragarh secured the first prize of ₹1 lakh, Satyam claimed the second prize of ₹75,000, while Sachin Yadav of Uttar Pradesh finished third and received ₹51,000.

In the women’s category, Bharti from Sonipat won the first prize of ₹1 lakh, Sonika from Bhiwani secured the second prize of ₹75,000, and Shashi Lata of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, received the third prize of ₹51,000.

A special moment during the event came when 73-year-old Triloki Nath from Panipat successfully completed the 10-kilometre marathon. The veteran participant was honoured in a special category for his inspiring determination and commitment to promoting fitness at an advanced age.

Deputy Commissioner Preeti informed that nearly 1.25 lakh registrations were received for the marathon from Yamunanagar, various districts of Haryana and neighbouring states. Of these, an estimated 70,000 participants took part in the event, making it one of the largest anti-drug awareness runs organised in the state.

The programme was attended by Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, MLA Ghanshyam Das Arora, Chief Minister’s Special Officer (Community Policing and Outreach) Pankaj Nain, former Cabinet Minister Kanwar Pal Gurjar, Mayor Suman Bahmani, Deputy Commissioner Preeti, Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal, Municipal Commissioner Mahavir Prasad, Additional Deputy Commissioner Naveen Ahuja, Safai Karamchari Commission Chairman Ishwar Singh Palaka, senior BJP leaders, public representatives, officials, representatives of NGOs and thousands of enthusiastic participants.

The unprecedented public participation reflected a growing social consensus that combating drug addiction requires not only government intervention but also active involvement from families, educational institutions and communities. The marathon concluded with a strong message that Haryana’s youth are ready to lead the movement towards a healthier, safer and drug-free future.

POD/DESK