Chandigarh witnessed a powerful culmination of its month-long crusade against substance abuse as a vibrant walkathon marked the closing ceremony of the 'Anti-Drug Campaign' on Sunday. The event, which saw an impressive turnout, served as a strong community pledge towards fostering a drug-free environment in the city.
Community Unites for a Noble Cause
The concluding walkathon commenced from the iconic Matka Chowk and proceeded through key areas of the city, including Jan Marg, ultimately concluding back at the starting point. The event was not just a walk but a significant public demonstration of collective resolve. Over 1,500 enthusiastic participants, representing a cross-section of society, joined the march. The crowd included police personnel, Home Guard and civil defence volunteers, members of the market welfare associations, and a large contingent of spirited students from various local schools and colleges.
Senior officials from the Chandigarh Police and the district administration led from the front, actively participating in the walk. The atmosphere was charged with determination as participants carried placards and banners with messages advocating for a life free from the clutches of drugs. The visual spectacle of such a large, unified group marching through the heart of the city sent a powerful message about community solidarity against a pressing social issue.
Month-Long Campaign: Awareness and Action
The walkathon was the final event of a comprehensive, month-long anti-drug initiative organized by the Chandigarh Police in collaboration with the District Administration. Throughout the campaign, authorities engaged in extensive outreach and awareness activities designed to educate the public, especially the youth, about the devastating consequences of drug addiction.
A key focus was on interactive sessions and direct engagement. Officials conducted numerous meetings with residents across different sectors and villages within the Union Territory. They also held purposeful dialogues with members of market welfare associations, recognizing the role of local business communities in shaping societal norms. Furthermore, a significant effort was directed towards educational institutions, where special lectures and workshops were organized to steer students away from substance abuse and towards healthier lifestyle choices.
A Pledge for the Future
The culmination event was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a reaffirmation of ongoing commitment. The successful execution of the month-long campaign and its grand finale underscores the administration's dedicated efforts under the broader national framework, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign). The initiative aimed not only to raise awareness but also to dismantle the social acceptance of drug use and encourage community-led vigilance.
By integrating various segments of society—from law enforcement and civil bodies to educators, students, and local traders—the campaign fostered a multi-pronged approach to a complex problem. The sight of young students walking alongside police officers served as a potent symbol of a shared future that everyone is invested in protecting. The Chandigarh Police emphasized that the end of this specific campaign is not the end of their efforts, but a milestone in a continuous journey towards a safer, healthier, and drug-free Chandigarh.
