Chandigarh, Oct 27 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday urged the youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle and stay away from drugs as he flagged off a marathon in Panipat.

Saini also said that the purpose of marathon is to keep the body healthy so that the state and the country can move forward at a higher rate of development.

Thousands of people – youth, women and children – participated in the event, the Chief Minister said.

“Such events help us stay away from diseases and stay healthy,” he told reporters.

Saini urged the youth to stay away from drugs and said their addiction should be to sports and studies. Such marathons should be organized regularly, it also helps in promoting brotherhood, he said.

He also joined marathon runners in an open vehicle and visited various stalls set up by local institutions.

Earlier, addressing a gathering before unveiling the marathon, Saini said that the youth of Haryana have excelled both nationally and internationally through their talent and skills.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi often praises the power of youth. A healthy body is fundamental to a fulfilling life, and it has been said that the first happiness lies in good health,” he said.

Healthy individuals can promote a healthy society, and a robust society is the cornerstone of a country’s and a state’s development and progress, he said.

According to an official statement, the Chief Minister honored the winners and also gave an oath to the youth to stay away from drugs.

Congratulating all participants in the 21km, 10km and 5km races, he said involvement in such events sends a positive message to society and inspires everyone, especially children and youth.

“To promote Prime Minister’s Fit India Movement, the state has consistently promoted marathons, sports, yoga and Raahgiri initiatives in Haryana,” he said.

He underlined Find India Movement’s aim to make fitness a fundamental aspect of daily life.

He said the Prime Minister’s promotion of yoga, recognized worldwide, has greatly contributed to exercise awareness, especially with June 21 being observed as International Yoga Day since 2015.

Saini also expressed gratitude to the Panipat district administration and participating organizations for the success of the event.

Highlighting the remarkable turnout and enthusiasm of the people of Panipat, he noted that the event was a celebration of joy, excitement and unity.

The Chief Minister recognized Haryana’s achievements in various sectors, including manufacturing in Manesar, startups in Gurugram and the sports arena.

Saini encouraged participants to inspire their families and neighbors to embrace fitness, reaffirming the government’s commitment to prioritize public health.

He mentioned plans to establish outdoor gymnasiums in every block as part of the BJP’s poll promise.

The marathon was part of the Haryana Uday programme, launched in June 2023, which aims to promote public welfare through civic engagement.

Expressing satisfaction over the success of Haryana Uday, the Chief Minister promised to organize more events in the future, including initiatives focused on police-public cooperation, raahgiri, cyclothons, sports competitions in crime-ridden areas and drug eradication campaigns.

Speaking on the occasion, Haryana Development and Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar said that such events inspire youth to seek new avenues and promote interest in sports.

Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda and BJP’s Panipat MLA Pramod Vij were among those present. PTI SUN KVK KVK

This report is automatically generated from PTI’s news service. ThePrint has no responsibility for its content.