To mark International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, the district administration on Monday organized a 5-km marathon at the Punjab Agricultural University. More than 1000 people participated in this marathon which was flagged off by ADC (Rural Development) Sandeep Kumar.
Later a cultural function was also held in Pal Auditorium, PAU where various items including choreography, and songs were presented by Ishmeet Singh Music Institute. During the event, many reformed drug dependents shared their stories and urged the people not to fall prey to drugs as they ruin everything.
A pledge was also administrated to the participants. Addressing the people, the ADC Sandeep Kumar reiterated that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was committed to eliminating the drug menace and had adopted a zero-tolerance approach to building Punjab a drug-free state.
"State government was already making strenuous efforts in this direction but it must be understood that it was not just a fight of administration but of the people and everyone has to fight it together with equal passion", said Kumar and added that drug /smugglers are being dealt with firmly.
The ADC also spoke about government initiatives including rehab and OOAT centers which are boosting the district administration's efforts in manifold to combat the drug menace by providing affected people treatment nearby their homes. Kumar also expressed hope that this event will leave an indelible imprint on youngsters and inspire them to fight against this curse vigorously.
He also called upon the students to make physical exercise a mandatory part of their lifestyle for healthy living. Prominent amongst others present on occasion GLADA CA Sagar Setia, ACA GLADA Amarjit Bains, SDMs Gurbir Singh Kohli, Gursimran Singh Dhillon, and Assistant Commissioner Upinderjeet Kaur, besides several others.