An extensive awareness walkathon was organized in the Shahpur Assembly constituency of Himachal Pradesh, covering the route from Harchakian to Gubbar. The event aimed to garner public support for the state government’s ongoing campaign to eradicate drugs and establish a drug-free Himachal Pradesh. Deputy Chief Whip and Shahpur MLA, Kewal Singh Pathania, initiated the walkathon and actively participated alongside students and local residents, emphasizing the critical need to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of drug abuse.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the walkathon was orchestrated by the Appropriate Technology Centre, Shahpur. The primary objective was to actively involve the youth and the broader community in the collective fight against ‘chitta,’ a potent form of heroin, and other illicit substances. Students from various educational institutions, including Government College Lanj, PM Shri Government Model Senior Secondary School Harchakian, Government Senior Secondary School Manei, Government High School Lapiana, SRM Public School Harchakian, DAV School Manei, and ITI Harchakian, were prominent participants. Anganwadi workers and a significant number of local residents also joined hands in this crucial campaign.
Participants marched carrying placards emblazoned with impactful messages advocating for drug de-addiction and the vital importance of environmental protection. Throughout the march, participants raised powerful slogans against ‘chitta’ and issued a collective appeal to the public, urging everyone to contribute towards building a society free from the scourge of drugs.
Addressing the enthusiastic participants, MLA Kewal Singh Pathania administered a solemn oath. He urged the students to commit to staying away from drugs and to embrace positive activities that contribute to personal growth and societal well-being. Pathania underscored that the battle against drug abuse must transcend mere awareness programs and evolve into a deeply ingrained, collective social commitment.
The MLA highlighted that ‘chitta’ has escalated into a grave challenge, posing a significant threat to the future prospects of the state’s youth and exerting a profoundly adverse impact on families and the community at large. He elaborated on how drug addiction not only devastates an individual’s life but also plunges entire families into a vortex of mental, social, and financial distress.
Pathania reiterated the unwavering commitment of the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, to achieving the goal of making Himachal Pradesh entirely free from ‘chitta.’ He detailed that stringent actions are being rigorously implemented against individuals implicated in the illegal drug trade. These measures include swift arrests, custodial sentences, and the forfeiture of properties acquired through illicit drug trafficking. Furthermore, he stated that decisive actions, such as dismissal from government service, are being taken against employees found to be involved in drug trafficking activities, reflecting the government’s zero-tolerance policy.
Emphasizing the multi-faceted approach required, Pathania stressed that law enforcement and legal interventions alone are insufficient to eradicate this pervasive menace. He underscored the indispensable role of sustained public participation in this critical endeavor. He implored the students to maintain constant vigilance, actively ensure their friends and families remain shielded from drugs, and extend support to individuals struggling with addiction by guiding them towards appropriate rehabilitation services, rather than resorting to ostracization.
The MLA also issued a call to action for educational institutions, teachers, parents, and social organizations. He urged them to persistently organize awareness activities and to effectively channelize the vibrant energy of young people into constructive pursuits such as sports, education, cultural enrichment, and community service. The walkathon also served as a platform to draw attention to the significance of environmental protection, the necessity of maintaining cleanliness, and the imperative of conserving precious natural resources. Pathania concluded by stating that the realization of a healthy society is contingent not only upon a drug-free environment but also upon the preservation of clean, safe, and pristine natural surroundings.
The Chenab Times News Desk
