DW BUREAU / Jalandhar

Punjab Governor Sri Gulab Chand Kataria today addressed the concluding ceremony of the two-day 'Nasha Mukt-Rangla Punjab' walkathon at the Jang-e-Azadi Memorial here.

Highlighting the participation of a large number of women and young boys and girls in the walkathon, the Governor called it a positive & encouraging sign which would go a long way in the creation of a vibrant and resilient Punjab.

Speaking at the event, organized at the memorial after a 7-kilometer walk starting from Bhatthe village, Shri Kataria emphasized that Punjab is the land of great Guru Sahiban and martyrs who made immense sacrifices for the state, the country, and the nation. Therefore, it is our bounden duty to contribute our bit in the fight against drugs and restore Punjab's pristine glory. He noted that walking on the path illuminated by the Ten Sikh Guru Sahiban can help eliminate this menace once and for all.

Referring to the unparalleled sacrifices of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and their families, the Governor gave a clarion call to the people of Punjab, especially women, to actively join the anti-drug campaign. He remarked that women, particularly mothers, hold a significant position in society and can play a crucial role in this mission by guiding their children toward the morally right path.

The Governor further noted that the fight against drugs cannot be limited to government efforts alone. When people come together in the spirit of mutual understanding and responsibility to strengthen the hands of Government, the success of such campaigns becomes more certain. He added that while the law is taking its course, everyone should join this mission to create a drug-free future for upcoming generations.

Governor Kataria also announced that an interfaith dialogue will soon be organized to involve people from all religions in creating a mass movement against drugs. Praising Punjab's rich heritage and its industrious people, he remarked that the state has played a leading role in the freedom struggle and pioneering the Green Revolution. By eliminating drug addiction, Punjab can not only emerge stronger within the country but also play a significant role in building a developed India.

Expressing gratitude to the participants, including women, youth, social organizations, panchayats, schools, and colleges, for their involvement in the campaign, the Governor stated that under the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan,' a continuous 10-day walkathon will be organized to spread the message of eradicating drugs to every household.

During the event, marathoner Fauja Singh was honoured for his exemplary participation in the fight against drugs at the age of 113. The Governor noted that his contribution serves as an inspiration for every Punjabi to pledge to uproot drug addiction entirely. The Former State Information Commissioner and noted writer Khushwant Singh was also felicitated on this occasion.

During the walkathon, people from various villages, schools, and colleges welcomed the participants by organizing community meals at different points.

Notably, the second day of the walkathon began at the Noble School in Bhatthe village, led by the Governor himself, covering a distance of 7 kilometers before concluding at the Jang-e-Azadi Memorial. Shri Kataria personally led the walkathon on both days.

The walkathon also witnessed the participation of Punjab Red Cross Society Secretary Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, MHA Director (Census and Citizenship) Lalit Jain, former State Information Commissioner and writer Khushwant Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Major Dr. Amit Mahajan, SDM Balbir Raj Singh, along with village panchayats, social organizations, and students from various schools.

(editor@dailyworld.in)