Thousands run against drugs at ‘Daurda Punjab’ marathon
A wave of unity against drug abuse swept through the city as over 6,500 persons took oath to create ‘Rangla Punjab’ during the ‘Daurda Punjab’ marathon, organised under the government’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign.
The event organised by the district administration, in association with CT Group of Institutions, Radio Mirchi, Thind Hospital and Lovely Bake Studio, saw the enthusiastic participation at the Guru Gobind Singh Stadium.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal and Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur led the 3-km run, urging people to turn the anti-drug campaign into a mass movement.
Administering the oath to the gathering, both officers called on the public — especially the youth — to fight drug abuse, oppose drug traffickers and encourage addicts to seek recovery, emphasising the need for the collective effort to build a vibrant and drug-free Punjab.
Also present at the event were Director, PRTC, Rajinder Singh Rehal, Doaba coordinator of the Nasha Mukti Morcha Nayan Chhabra, AAP leaders Ashwani Aggarwal and Pinder Pandori, CT Group chairman Charanjit Singh Channi, managing director Manbir Singh, vice-chairperson Harpreet Kaur, Bhanu Goel from Radio Mirchi and Additional Deputy Commissioners Jasbir Singh, Arpana MB and Buddhi Raj Singh, along with several religious, political and social leaders.
Following the oath ceremony, the marathon, organised in 3 km, 5 km, and 7 km categories, was flagged off from the stadium and concluded at the same venue after passing through various city points. More than 6,000 participants, from children to senior citizens, took part, reflecting widespread support for the campaign.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Aggarwal and Kaur lauded the massive turnout, stating that the energy and commitment displayed by the residents were clear signs of Punjab’s readiness to eradicate drug abuse. They urged the youth to carry forward the spirit of the oath in their everyday lives.
Top performers in the marathon were honoured. In the 3-km girls’ category, Suman, Anuradha and Darshika secured the top three spots, while Anmol Singh, Hans Raj and Gautam Mehta led the boys’ category.
In the 5-km run, Jobanpreet Singh claimed the first place, followed by Rajveer Singh and Akhil Kumar. In the 7-km event, Kajal Kumari topped the girls’ category, with Shubham, Ankit, and Raghavjeet leading the boys.
Special awards were also given to senior citizens Mahinder Lal, Paramjit Kaur and Jatinder Sachdeva for their spirited participation.
All participants received certificates and the event concluded with lively cultural performances, including Bhangra and Zumba, adding a festive spirit to the powerful message of unity against drugs.
Jalandhar