Chandigarh: A massive turnout marked the Youth Marathon and Tiranga Yatra at Nuni Sheikhpura Mor in Narnaul on Sunday, with chief minister Nayab Singh Saini joining the 5-km run and urging youth to adopt a healthy, disciplined and drug-free lifestyle.After flagging off the event, Saini said a marathon was “not merely a race” but a resolve for a healthy life and a collective pledge to move away from drug abuse. “The Tricolour in hand, sports in life and the resolve for a drug-free India in the heart” represented the picture of a developed India, he said.Health minister Arti Singh Rao, MP Dharambir Singh, and Narnaul MLA Om Prakash Yadav were among those present.Saini said the awareness campaign launched in Yamunanagar on July 26 had gathered further momentum in Narnaul.Linking the event with the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, the CM said the initiative, launched in 2022, had evolved into a people’s movement. This year’s campaign is dedicated to 150 years of Vande Mataram, he said, urging people to understand the sacrifices behind the national flag and maintain its dignity.Saini said the state had organised 2,483 anti-drug awareness programmes, drawing more than 17 lakh participants. Haryana has 160 de-addiction centres, while 7,523 people identified with drug-related problems have been provided treatment, he said.Saini later planted a sapling under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam‘ initiative and honoured marathon winners with prizes.
