Himachal Guv flags off 5th Silk Route Ultra Trail Run at Narkanda

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Friday flagged off the 5th Silk Route Ultra Trail Run, organised by the Himalayan Expedition, at Narkanda in Shimla district. The event has been dedicated to the drug-free Himachal campaign. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Governor said the youth were not only the future of the country but also its present, and it is the collective responsibility of all to guide them in a positive direction.

The run, being organised along the Hindustan-Tibet Road, is supported by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department, Indian Oil, Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, and HimEra. Over 250 runners from various states across India are participating in this competition, along with three international athletes from France and Germany.

The 102-km-long trail run covers the naturally scenic and culturally rich route from Narkanda to Sarahan and is categorised into four segments. The Governor remarked that the Silk Route Ultra Trail Run is not just a sports event but a unique medium to connect with the culture, nature and traditions of the state. He said it was a remarkable initiative to revive history and heritage while promoting adventure and eco-tourism in the region. He appreciated the efforts of the organisers for creating new avenues of employment and economic empowerment for local youth through such events.

Speaking on the importance of the drug-free Himachal campaign, the Governor emphasised that drug eradication is not just the responsibility of the government but of every individual in society. The fight against drugs requires united efforts from all sections of society.

He expressed concern over the growing menace of drug addiction among youth and urged everyone to come forward to eliminate this social evil and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Additional Director General of Police and Commandant General, Home Guards, Satwant Atwal Trivedi addressed the gathering and praised the event, saying that the Silk Route Ultra Trail Run reflects the spirit of Himachal Pradesh.

She lauded the efforts of the organisers for associating this sporting event with the drug-free Himachal campaign. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Abhishek Trivedi, also spoke on the occasion and stressed the need for collective efforts from society to make the anti-drug campaign more effective. He appreciated the role of sports events like these in channelising the energy of youth in a positive direction.

Himachal Tribune