Bhopal Hosts Anti-Drug Marathon: 6,000 Citizens Pledge for a Healthy Society

Mass Awareness Marathon Held in Bhopal

A massive public awareness marathon was organized in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, where thousands of citizens participated and pledged to build a drug-free, healthy, and safe society. The marathon, titled 'Run For Life – Distance from Drugs is Essential 2.0', was organized by the Bhopal Police Commissionerate as part of the statewide 'Distance from Drugs is Essential 2.0' campaign.

Around 6,000 people, from youth to senior citizens, took part in this run that commenced from TT Nagar Stadium. The primary objective of this marathon was to make youth and the general public aware of the serious ill effects of drug abuse and to inspire them to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Widespread Participation and Campaign Momentum

The event saw enthusiastic participation from students, athletes, representatives of social and voluntary organizations, members of the Nagar Raksha Samiti, police officers, and employees, along with a large number of ordinary citizens. Their participation sent a clear message that building a drug-free society is possible only through collective efforts.

This marathon provided a new impetus to the 'Distance from Drugs is Essential 2.0' campaign, which is being conducted under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and the direction of Director General of Police Mr. Kailash Makwana. The active involvement of students, athletes, various social and voluntary organizations, and police personnel demonstrates that this anti-drug campaign is reaching every household and receiving extensive public support.

Diverse Categories Cater to All

The marathon was organized into three categories: a 2-kilometer Walkathon, a 5-kilometer Run, and a 10-kilometer Marathon. These different distances offered an opportunity for people of all age groups and physical abilities to participate in the campaign.

Several senior police officials, including Additional Director General of Police (Narcotics) Mr. D. Shrinivas Verma, Bhopal Police Commissioner Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Additional Police Commissioner Mrs. Monika Shukla, Additional Police Commissioner Mr. Shailendra Singh Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr. Akhil Patel, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Mrs. Neetu Thakur, and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Mrs. Rashmi Agarwal Dubey, were present at the marathon, underscoring the administration's seriousness towards this campaign.

Pledge Against Drug Abuse

At the conclusion of the marathon, Bhopal Police Commissioner Mr. Sanjay Kumar administered a collective pledge against drug abuse to all participants. He urged everyone to not only stay away from drugs themselves but also to play an active role in freeing society from this menace.

On this occasion, winners in various categories were honored with medals and certificates, boosting the morale of the participants. Gratitude was expressed to all students, athletes, volunteer organizations, social organizations, Nagar Raksha Samiti members, and ordinary citizens who participated, making the marathon a success. An appeal was also made to the state's residents to actively participate in the ongoing public awareness campaign against drugs, aiming to build a healthy, safe, and drug-free Madhya Pradesh.

Marathon Winners Honored

Winners were selected and awarded in various categories of the marathon:

• 10 Kilometer Run:
• Men (Above 45 years): 1st place - Mr. Sanjay Kumar (Bhopal Police Commissioner), 2nd place - Mr. Bhagwan Singh.
• Women (Below 45 years): 1st place - Rama Yadav, 2nd place - Sheetal Rajat.
• Men (Below 45 years): 1st place - Mr. Mangal Baghel, 2nd place - Mr. Uday Pratap Tomar.
• 5 Kilometer Run:
• Women (Above 45 years): 1st place - Mrs. Monika Shukla (Additional Police Commissioner, Bhopal).
• Men (Above 45 years): 1st place - Mr. Rajendra Singh.
• Women (Below 45 years): 1st place - Nikita Mishra, 2nd place - Shakuntala Kewat.
• Men (Below 45 years): 1st place - Mr. Suraj Lodhi, 2nd place - Mr. Mohit Yadav.

This marathon served not only as a medium for health awareness but also highlighted the importance of fulfilling social responsibility and public participation in building a drug-free society. This event, organized under the 'Distance from Drugs is Essential 2.0' campaign, will further strengthen the resolve of the state's residents for a drug-free Madhya Pradesh.