Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria Leads Anti-Drug Walkathon in Chandigarh, Calls for Collective Fight Against Drugs

Chandigarh: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday led an anti-drug and wellness walkathon at Sukhna Lake, using the public event to call for greater community participation in the fight against drug abuse.

The walkathon was organised to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drugs and encourage people to make healthier choices. Addressing reporters during the event, Kataria said that building a drug-free India would require more than government action alone and that people must actively participate in the campaign.

He linked the initiative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free India, saying that public awareness and collective responsibility would be crucial to achieving that goal.

Governor urges people to stand together against drugs

Kataria said Chandigarh and Punjab have a strong tradition of standing up against challenges and emphasised the need to bring the same spirit to the fight against substance abuse.

He highlighted Punjab’s long contribution to the country’s defence and security and said the state has made significant sacrifices over the decades.

However, he expressed concern over the continuing flow of illegal drugs into the region and the damage that drug abuse can cause to young people and families.

The Governor also raised concerns about the role of individuals who may facilitate the illegal drug trade from within the country.

He said drug trafficking should not be viewed simply as a business opportunity because the consequences extend far beyond financial gain. According to him, the drug trade can destroy the future of an entire generation.

Focus on young people and a healthier future

The walkathon placed special emphasis on encouraging citizens, particularly young people, to stay away from drugs and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Kataria said the fight against substance abuse requires awareness at the community level. Families, educational institutions, sports organisations, civil society groups and government agencies all have a role to play in preventing young people from falling into addiction.

The event sought to send a simple message: preventing drug abuse is not the responsibility of one institution alone. It requires people to recognise the dangers of addiction and work together to create an environment where young people have healthier alternatives.

Sportspersons honoured at the event

The anti-drug campaign also had a strong connection with sports, with several athletes who have represented Chandigarh and India being felicitated during the programme.

Among those honoured was Gurseerat Kaur, a silver medallist at the Asian Boxing U15 & U17 Championships 2026.

Speaking after receiving the recognition, Gurseerat said she felt proud to have her efforts acknowledged. She credited her coaches and the Chandigarh administration for providing the support and facilities needed to develop her sporting career.

She described the recognition as an encouraging moment after years of hard work and training.

Athletes use their platforms to promote drug-free sports

Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2026 gold medallist Yashkirat Kaur Hayer also used the occasion to underline the importance of consistency and discipline in sports.

Having started fencing in 2012, Hayer spoke about the ups and downs that athletes experience during their careers. She stressed that maintaining discipline and consistency is essential for long-term success.

Hayer also urged athletes to stay away from drugs and doping.

She said substances that may appear to improve performance in the short term can have serious consequences in the long run. She also pointed out that athletes have a responsibility because young people often look up to them as role models.

Hayer is scheduled to represent India at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, which are set to take place from September 19 to October 4.

Shooter Sainyam Vij backs the campaign

Indian pistol shooter Sainyam Vij, who won a silver medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2026, also supported the anti-drug initiative.

Vij said the campaign was an important effort and encouraged people to pay attention to the message being delivered through the event.

She also urged citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles and expressed gratitude for being able to participate in the awareness drive.

Her involvement highlighted the role sportspersons can play in spreading messages about discipline, health and responsible choices.

Judoka Angel Yadav recalls her sporting journey

Judoka Angel Yadav, who won bronze in the women’s 48kg category at the Asian Junior Championships Individuals 2026, also spoke about her journey in sport.

Yadav said she had been involved in judo for several years, beginning at the state level before gradually progressing to national and international competitions.

She described winning a medal at the Asian Championship as a memorable achievement and said being honoured at the event made the moment even more special.

Her journey was presented as an example of how dedication, discipline and sustained effort can help young people pursue positive goals.

Why awareness matters in the fight against addiction

Drug abuse remains a major social concern because its impact often extends beyond the individual using drugs.

Addiction can affect families, education, employment, physical and mental well-being and the wider community. For young people in particular, early exposure to drugs can have long-lasting consequences.

Events such as the Sukhna Lake walkathon aim to bring these concerns into public discussion while encouraging people to focus on prevention and healthier alternatives.

The participation of athletes also helped reinforce the message that sport can provide young people with a positive direction and an environment built around discipline, teamwork and personal achievement.

A collective responsibility

Kataria’s message at the walkathon was centred on collective action.

While law-enforcement agencies have an important role in tackling drug trafficking and illegal supply networks, public awareness and community involvement are equally important in preventing substance abuse.

Parents, teachers, coaches and community leaders can help identify warning signs and encourage young people to seek healthier avenues for recreation and achievement.

The Governor’s call for a drug-free India therefore extended beyond the walkathon itself. The event was intended to encourage citizens to take the message into their homes, schools, workplaces and communities.

Sukhna Lake event sends a wider message

The anti-drug and wellness walkathon at Sukhna Lake brought together public officials, athletes and citizens around a common cause.

Alongside raising awareness about the dangers of drugs, the event celebrated young sporting talent and promoted fitness and healthy living.

For Chandigarh and the wider region, the programme served as a reminder that the fight against drug abuse requires sustained efforts rather than one-day campaigns.

As athletes continue to inspire young people through their achievements, organisers hope that such initiatives will encourage more citizens to make healthy choices and contribute to the larger goal of creating a safer, healthier and drug-free society.

News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.