'Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life': CM Dhami Leads Drug-Free Uttarakhand Walkathon
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami leads a mass movement against drug abuse, urging youth to choose books and sports over addiction.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued a clarion call for a collective battle against narcotics, emphasizing that the fight to build a Drug-Free Uttarakhand Walkathon and a healthy state cannot be won by the government or police alone. Speaking at the ONGC's Dr B R Ambedkar Ground in Dehradun on Friday, the Chief Minister flagged off a massive walkathon designed to transform the fight against addiction into a widespread social movement.
More Than Just an Event: A Social Movement
Addressing the participants, CM Dhami clarified that the walkathon was not merely a routine gathering or a physical activity, but a strategic public awareness campaign. He lauded the vision and hard work of those who sought to turn the critical issue of drug abuse—particularly its devastating impact on the younger generation—into a mass movement.
"The steps we are taking together in this walkathon today are strengthening our resolve to build a healthy and drug-free Uttarakhand, and we need to take this message to every home," the Chief Minister asserted.
Empowering Youth: Books and Sports Over Addiction
The Chief Minister expressed a strong vision for the youth of the state, stating that the hands of young people should be occupied with books and computers rather than illicit substances. He emphasized that the youth should be found on sports fields or working hard toward their destined goals.
Warning of the dire consequences of addiction, Dhami noted that drug abuse does more than just shatter individual dreams; it breaks the hopes of entire families and weakens the very fabric of society and the nation. He reminded the gathering that since the youth are the future of the country, their downfall is a loss for the coming generations.
The Blueprint for a Stronger Nation
CM Dhami highlighted that the progress of the country is intrinsically linked to the well-being of its younger generation. According to the Chief Minister, a strong nation requires a youth population that possesses:
- Strong Values: A foundation of ethics and morality.
- Quality Education: Access to knowledge and learning.
- Physical Health: A strong and healthy body.
- Practical Skills: The ability to contribute effectively to the economy.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
The Chief Minister concluded by stressing that the responsibility to purge the state of drugs lies with every citizen. He urged that the campaign should not be limited to a few individuals but must involve every student, every young person, and every child in the state to ensure the message of "Say no to drugs, and yes to life" reaches every single household in Uttarakhand.