In a spirited display of public participation, a massive marathon was organised in Bhubaneswar on Sunday under the ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ (Drug-Free India Campaign), as part of the nationwide ‘Seva Pakhwada’ marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday celebrations. The event, titled ‘Namo Yuva Run’, began from Kalinga Stadium and concluded at Janata Maidan, drawing thousands of participants from all walks of life.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the marathon and personally participated, running alongside students, sportspersons, youth groups, and prominent leaders. Addressing the gathering, the CM called upon the people of Odisha to commit themselves to building a drug-free India and said the campaign is a powerful step towards nation-building.
“The Prime Minister’s resolve to free India from addiction will inspire the youth to become torchbearers of a stronger and healthier nation,” Majhi said.
Focus on Youth and Nation-Building
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that India’s youth will lead this movement, emphasising that their knowledge, skills, and sense of responsibility are key to achieving the vision of a developed India.
“Many of the Prime Minister’s initiatives — from electrification of villages and universal drinking water access to ‘Make in India’, ‘Digital India’, and ‘Stand Up India’ — have been instrumental in driving self-reliance and reducing poverty to its lowest levels. Now, a drug-free India is the next big step,” he said.
Warning Against the Dangers of Addiction
Majhi warned that substance abuse — including alcohol, tobacco, gutkha, cannabis, and other drugs — is becoming a growing menace in society.
“Addiction destroys not just the individual but also their family. It leads to poor academic performance, deteriorating health, rising crime rates, and disharmony within homes. A youth addicted to substances shatters the dreams of their parents and becomes a burden instead of a nation-builder,” he cautioned.
He administered an oath to the youth present, urging them to become agents of change and actively contribute to building a drug-free India.
‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with Citizens
After the marathon, the Chief Minister made a surprise stop at a tea stall near Mayfair Square, where he interacted with locals over tea. Majhi was seen enquiring about the health of an elderly woman, checking on government scheme benefits for senior citizens, and encouraging students to focus on studies and spread awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.
Key Leaders in Attendance
The event was attended by School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Sports and Higher Education Minister Suraj Suryavanshi, Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Digapahandi MLA Siddhanta Mahapatra, and several senior party leaders.
