Marathon is not merely a race, but a resolve for a healthy life: CM Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, August 9- A record number of people carrying the Tricolour participated in the Youth Marathon and Tiranga Yatra at Nuni Sheikhpura Mor in Narnaul. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini flagged off the event and gave the message of a drug-free society. The Chief Minister himself participated in the 5-km run and encouraged the youth.

Health Minister Arti Singh Rao, MP Dharambir Singh, Narnaul MLA Om Prakash Yadav, Mahendragarh MLA Kanwar Singh Yadav, District President Yatender Rao, Youth Marathon Brand Ambassador and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sharmila Dhankhar, Pankaj Nain, IPS, and Deputy Commissioner Anupama Anjali were also present on the occasion.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that when the youth of a state step out early in the morning carrying the Tricolour and running together, it is a sign that the state is not only going to win the race of development, but also the race of awareness, patriotism and a bright future. He said, “If someone asks me what the most beautiful picture of a developed India would look like, I would say — the Tricolour in hand, sports in life and the resolve for a drug-free India in the heart.”

He said that this marathon is not merely a run of a few kilometres. It is a resolve for a healthy life and to move from the darkness of drug abuse towards the light. The message should go from the land of Narnaul to the entire state of Haryana that drugs destroy life, while sports enrich and shape life. He said that the torch of public awareness, which was lit in Yamunanagar on July 26, is shining even brighter today on the land of Narnaul. The enthusiasm of the youth shows that Haryana is ready to fight a decisive battle against drug abuse.

The Chief Minister said that today’s event is also a witness to the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. Launched in 2022 during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the campaign has now become a people’s movement across the country. This year, the campaign is dedicated to the glorious 150 years of Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram is not merely a song, but the voice of India’s soul, which awakened a new spirit of patriotism among millions of Indians during the freedom struggle.

He said that it is our responsibility to acquaint the new generation with the sacrifices because of which we attained freedom. We have resolved to take the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign to every village and every household in Haryana. Government departments, educational institutions, social organisations and civil society will work together to turn it into a people’s movement. Tiranga Yatras, cycle rallies and other programmes will be organised at sites associated with freedom fighters and martyrs, so that the youth not only carry the Tricolour in their hands but also understand the sacrifices behind it.

He expressed confidence that mothers and sisters, self-help groups, youth, farmers, sportspersons and students would play an important role in taking this campaign to every section of society. Along with enthusiasm for the Tricolour, respecting its dignity is also our national duty. After the campaign, the Tricolour should be respectfully taken down and kept safely. Respect for the Tricolour is not merely about following rules; it is a tribute to the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives for its honour and glory. The Tricolour teaches us duty, while sports teach us discipline.

The Chief Minister said that recently, Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi addressed more than one crore youth across the country and launched the Nasha Mukt Yuva, Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan. He said that today’s youth are the Amrit Peedhi of India and have the responsibility of making the country developed by 2047. Staying completely away from drugs is essential for achieving this goal.

He said that the Prime Minister was absolutely right in saying that drugs may give a high for a few moments, but they bring one’s entire life down. Taking this vision forward, the message of a drug-free Haryana has been taken to the people through ‘Haryana Uday’. Through marathons, cyclothons, Raahgiri and several public awareness programmes, lakhs of youth and citizens have been connected with this mass movement.

So far, 2,483 programmes have been organised, with more than 17 lakh people actively participating in them. A total of 160 de-addiction centres have been established in the state. Treatment facilities have also been made available at government medical colleges and civil hospitals. So far, 7,523 people have been identified and provided treatment so that they can return to a normal life with dignity. Continuous action is being taken against drug traffickers through the Special Task Force, Anti-Narcotics Cells and the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau.

He said that the battle against drug abuse cannot be won by the government alone. The participation of families, schools, panchayats, sports institutions and every responsible citizen is essential. If we hold the hand of a misguided youth in time, we can save not just one individual but an entire family. A marathon teaches us not to stop until we achieve our goal.

The Chief Minister called upon the people to take five pledges from the land of Narnaul today: to stay away from drugs, to help save others from drug abuse, to engage in sports or yoga every day, to uphold the dignity of the Tricolour, and to actively participate in every campaign aimed at nation-building.

After the programme, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative and conveyed the message of environmental conservation. He also honoured the winners by presenting them with prizes.

In the 10-km marathon women’s category, the Chief Minister presented prize money of ₹1 lakh to Bharti for securing first position, ₹50,000 to Sonika for securing second position and ₹25,000 to Neeta Rani for securing third position.

Similarly, in the 10-km marathon men’s category, Mohit secured first position, Gaurav stood second and Shubham secured third position. The winners were honoured with prize money.

In the 5-km marathon men’s category, Keshav secured first position, Amit stood second and Sahil finished third. They were honoured with momentos by the Chief Minister. In the 5-km marathon women’s category, Komal secured first position, Aarti stood second and Jagrati finished third. They were also honoured with momentos.

Former Deputy Speaker Santosh Yadav, former MLA Dr. Abhay Singh Yadav, former MLA Sitaram Yadav, cricketer Joginder Sharma, Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar, former District President Rakesh Sharma, along with several dignitaries and officers, were also present on the occasion.