On a rain-soaked morning in Shimla, the Historic Ridge Maidan echoed with a powerful message of solidarity as Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla flagged off the 12th Half Marathon organized by the Himachal Pradesh Police. With the compelling theme “Together We Defeat Drugs,” the event brought together citizens of all ages and abilities in a vivid display of public will against the growing menace of substance abuse.
Despite the relentless downpour, the enthusiasm among participants—especially the youth—remained undeterred. From schoolchildren to senior citizens, and from seasoned athletes to differently-abled individuals, the crowd represented a wide swath of society committed to building a healthier Himachal. The Governor, addressing the gathering, praised this unified spirit and reaffirmed that the war against drugs will be long but not insurmountable. “The enthusiasm may take time, but we are determined to make Himachal a drug-free state,” he declared, emphasizing that the campaign must reach every household across the hill state.
Underscoring the cultural and spiritual sanctity of Himachal Pradesh, often referred to as Devbhoomi, Governor Shukla noted that drug abuse threatens both the moral fabric and the future of the state’s youth. He called on all sections of society—parents, educators, law enforcement, and civil society organizations—to play an active role in awareness and prevention. He also praised the Himachal Pradesh Police Department for their dedication to curbing drug trafficking and promoting rehabilitation through people-centric initiatives.
To solidify the commitment toward this cause, the Governor administered an oath to the participants, urging them to shun intoxicants and champion a clean lifestyle. The atmosphere was electric, marked by cheers, slogans, and a shared resolve to restore dignity and hope to countless lives affected by substance abuse.
An exhibition organized by the State Police was inaugurated on the sidelines of the marathon, highlighting the various enforcement and educational strategies being implemented in the anti-drug campaign. The Governor’s message was further sealed with a symbolic gesture as he signed a ‘Signature Board’ affirming his personal solidarity with the movement.
The marathon itself featured four inclusive categories—the Half Marathon, Mini Marathon, Dream Run, and a special segment for differently-abled participants. These categories were designed to encourage maximum community participation and foster a sense of shared ownership in the battle against drugs. The top runner in the Half Marathon is set to receive a cash award of ₹51,000, a symbolic nod to the power of perseverance and purpose.
Notable dignitaries present included Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, Secretary to the Governor C.P. Verma, and Deputy Commissioner of Shimla Anupam Kashyap, among other senior officials. Their presence reflected the state’s political and administrative will to turn the tide on drug dependency, not merely through enforcement, but by mobilizing communities and reinforcing values.
This marathon was more than a sporting event—it was a step forward in Himachal Pradesh’s larger journey toward a drug-free society. In a time when substance abuse continues to steal futures and erode communities, this gathering under the open sky became a powerful metaphor for resilience and change.
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