CM Majhi Leads Yuva Run, Calls for Drug-Free India

Bhubaneswar, Sep 21 : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday led the Namo Yuva Run in Bhubaneswar under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, urging the youth to take a pledge for a drug-free India and contribute towards nation-building.

Organised as part of Seva Parva celebrations marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, the run witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, athletes, youth, and local leaders.

Speaking on the occasion, Majhi said, “Prime Minister Modi’s resolve to make India free from addiction will inspire the youth to take the lead in building a developed nation.” He highlighted the government’s achievements, including reduction in poverty levels, near-universal electrification, safe drinking water in villages, and initiatives like Make in India and Digital India that are shaping self-reliance.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence in the youth, calling them the backbone of India’s growth. At the same time, he warned against the growing menace of addiction to alcohol, gutkha, tobacco, cannabis, and other substances. “Addiction does not just destroy an individual; it devastates families, causes academic failure, declining health, criminal tendencies, and domestic unrest. A youth addicted to substances shatters the dreams of their parents,” Majhi cautioned.

He administered a pledge to participants, urging them to dedicate their energy to spreading awareness against addiction and to support Modi’s vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat.

After the run, Majhi visited a tea stall at Mayfair Square, interacted with local residents, and shared tea with them. He enquired about the well-being of an elderly woman, spoke to a senior citizen about government benefits, and advised students to focus on studies while spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drugs.

School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Sports and Higher Education Minister Suraj Suryavanshi, Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Digapahandi MLA Siddhant Mahapatra, and several senior leaders also joined the event.