500 Youths Run in Marathon to Combat Drug Abuse in Nurpur

A marathon aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse took place in Nurpur on October 14, 2023, attracting approximately 500 youths aged under 20 from various regions including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Organised by local social organisations, Youth Against Drugs and Gary Care Foundation, the event underscored the importance of sports as a means of steering young people away from drug dependency.

The marathon was officially flagged off by Kangra Lok Sabha MP Rajiv Bhardwaj at the Kali Mata Temple in Bodh, along the Pathankot-Mandi national highway. The men’s race spanned 7 kilometres to the Hanuman Temple at Kopra, while female participants competed in a shorter 3-kilometre route.

In the men’s category, Sandeep Pal from Uttar Pradesh clinched the first prize, followed by Yudhveer and another Sandeep from Haryana in second and third place, respectively. In the women’s category, Pooja and Muskaan, both hailing from Hoshiarpur in Punjab, secured the first and second positions. Siya Devi from Pathankot took third place, with no contestants from Himachal Pradesh finishing among the top three.

The event garnered significant attention through media promotion, encouraging participation from the youth. Local MLA Ranbir Nikka attended as a special guest, while Bhardwaj served as the chief guest. He emphasised the need for young people to steer clear of drugs, advocating for a focus on sports instead.

Bhardwaj commended both Youth Against Drugs and Gary Care Foundation for their ongoing contributions to social welfare and sports initiatives in the region. He remarked on the vital role these organisations play in fostering a healthy community atmosphere.

In a related statement, Chandrapal Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police in Nurpur, urged the local youth and community members to collaborate with law enforcement to combat drug addiction. He stressed the importance of preventing the younger generation from falling into the traps of substance abuse.

The marathon not only served as a competitive event but also as a platform for community engagement, highlighting the shared responsibility to address the issue of drug abuse among youths.