THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, June 26: In a bid to raise awareness among youth about the harmful effects of substance abuse, a marathon was organised on Thursday in Ranchi under the ongoing campaign for a drug-free Jharkhand. The event, held at Morabadi Ground, marked the culmination of a 14-day statewide awareness drive against drug use.
Jharkhand Tourism and Sports Minister Sudivya Kumar addressed a large gathering of youth at the event and reiterated that Chief Minister Hemant Soren is committed to making Jharkhand a drug-free state. “The Chief Minister has taken a pledge to eradicate addiction from Jharkhand. We are moving ahead with full force to fulfil this vision,” he said.
Every Step a Pledge Towards Sobriety
Minister Kumar led the participants in taking a pledge to stay away from drugs. As the marathon proceeded from Morabadi Ground to Albert Ekka Chowk, he emphasized, “Every step we take today is a vow to remain drug-free and support the creation of a drug-free Jharkhand.”
He also underlined the government’s determination to comply with international standards for drug de-addiction and rehabilitation. “Under the CM’s directive, the campaign is being implemented with full sincerity across the state,” he added.
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Youth Energy Must Be Channelled Positively
Calling upon the youth to use their energy constructively, Minister Kumar said, “If guided in the right direction, the energy of young people can transform society, the state, the nation, and even the world. But misdirected energy can lead to widespread damage.”
He urged the youth to reject substance abuse and instead focus on sports and personal development. “There’s no shortage of talent in Jharkhand. We just need to guide them and bring out their hidden potential by steering them away from addiction and reintegrating them into mainstream society. That’s the mission of our government,” he said.
State Officials Echo the Message
On this occasion, the Minister administered a formal pledge to all participants to stay away from drugs and work toward building a drug-free Jharkhand.
Also speaking at the event, Tourism and Sports Secretary Manoj Kumar said, “This marathon is not just a race; it is symbolic of our movement toward a healthier, addiction-free state. Every step taken toward Albert Ekka Chowk today is a step toward a better future.”
He noted that over the past two weeks, awareness campaigns have been held in every district, block, panchayat, school, and college across the state as part of the anti-drug initiative.
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Winners of the Marathon Felicitated
Minister Sudivya Kumar also felicitated the winners of the marathon. Among those awarded were Anoop Oraon, Shreejeet Sarkar, Kundan Mahato, Nirmal, Ranjit Kumar Mahato, Mamta Kumari, Rita Kumari, Suman Kumari, Sandhya Kumari, and Soni Kumari.
The event also saw the presence of Principal Secretary of the Home Department Vandana Dadel, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, Sports Director Shekhar Jamuar, and several other district officials.
