IEP Chandigarh
Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal flagged off the Cyclothon in Sirsa today, marking a crucial step in the “Drug-Free Haryana” campaign. During his address to participants and the public gathered at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Sirsa, Sh. Manohar Lal expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming public response, surpassing the previous marathon records from 2019. He stressed the growing concern about drug-related issues in Haryana and praised the Cyclothon Yatra for effectively raising awareness. The Cyclothon commenced on September 1 from Karnal and is scheduled to conclude in Karnal on September 25, spanning across 15 districts in Haryana.
In addition to highlighting the significance of the Cyclothon event, the Chief Minister acknowledged the dual importance of the day, being both the birthday of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and the celebration of Lord Vishwakarma’s birth as National Labour Day. He extended his warm wishes to workers, labourers, artisans, and all those contributing to the nation’s progress.
The participation in the Cyclothon Yatra has surged beyond two lakh cyclists, with a potential to set a world record as it progresses through Fatehabad, Ratia, Tohana, Uklana, Jind, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Panchkula, and Yamunanagar before reaching Karnal. In comparison, the largest Cyclothon organised in Madhya Pradesh had 35000 participants, highlighting the remarkable scale of Haryana’s initiative.
The core objective of the Cyclothon Yatra is to disseminate the message of de-addiction and strive towards a drug-free Haryana. The Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the drug problem, with a specific focus on the districts of Sirsa and Fatehabad, where the issue is most acute. In Sirsa, the Yatra extended for three days to address the gravity of the situation.
The Chief Minister emphasized the pivotal role of the youth in realizing India’s potential as a global leader. He called upon them to take a stand against drug addiction and spread awareness among their peers. He outlined three critical steps for the success of the “Drug-Free Haryana” campaign: rehabilitation of drug addicts, stringent legal actions against drug traffickers, and comprehensive awareness programs targeting the youth.
As a source of inspiration, the Chief Minister cited the example of 74-year-old Kamlesh Rana from Rohtak, who is actively participating in the Cyclothon to combat drug addiction. Her journey began in 2020, and her dedication remains an inspiration to all participants. Additionally, two other elderly participants aged 75 and 76 have displayed admirable determination. He commended them for serving as a source of inspiration for all.
The event saw an electrifying atmosphere when renowned Punjabi singer Mankirat Aulakh graced the stage, captivating the audience with his performance. The presence of renowned Punjabi singer Mankirat Aulakh injected tremendous energy into the event by performing his popular songs, using this platform to convey the commitment of Haryana’s state government to a drug-free Haryana.
