CM Vishnu Deo Sai joins anti-drug awareness march from Devendra Nagar Chowk to Lal Chowk
Chief Minister pays floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, urges people to work towards a drug-free society
“Stay away from drugs yourself and inspire others to adopt a drug-free life,” says CM Sai
Anti-drug awareness march week being organised from September 25 to October 2 under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
“Our priority is to protect youth from drugs and connect them with education, skills and employment,” says CM Sai
CM appreciates 27-year-old initiative promoting de-addiction, cleanliness and environmental conservation
Raipur, September 2026 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday participated in an anti-drug awareness march organised from Devendra Nagar Chowk to Lal Chowk in the state capital.
Accompanied by a large number of school students, youth, women, public representatives and citizens, the Chief Minister participated in the march and delivered a message promoting a drug-free and healthy society. At the conclusion of the march, Sai paid floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at his statue at Lal Chowk.
Speaking on the occasion, Sai said a drug-free and healthy Chhattisgarh would form the strong foundation of a developed Chhattisgarh.
“Drug abuse does not affect only an individual. Its adverse impact extends to the entire family and society. Protecting young people from addiction is a collective responsibility,” he said.
The Chief Minister appealed to people to stay away from drugs themselves and encourage those around them to adopt a drug-free lifestyle.
Youth must channel their energy towards positive goals
Sai said youth are the greatest strength of any state. If young people are healthy, educated and skilled and channel their energy towards positive activities, the state can progress rapidly.
The state government is expanding opportunities for youth in education, skill development, employment, self-employment, sports and entrepreneurship.
“Our effort is to ensure that every young person in Chhattisgarh uses their talent and potential for the progress of their family, society and the state,” he said.
Under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, Anti-Drug Awareness March Week is being organised from September 25, the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, to October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Sai said Gandhi had promoted the values of self-discipline, cleanliness and healthy living. Therefore, the anti-drug campaign is also an effective means of taking these ideals to people across society.
Service activities under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed service at the centre of his public life.
Marking 25 years since Modi began his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, various public-service activities are being organised across the country under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
The campaign seeks to encourage broad public participation in activities related to cleanliness, environmental conservation, healthcare, social awareness and public service.
As part of the campaign, an ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme was organised across Chhattisgarh, with people wishing for the Prime Minister’s health and long life.
Various programmes are also being conducted to connect youth with the spirit of service and nation-building. Bike riders who began their journey from Vadnagar in Gujarat were welcomed on their arrival in Raipur, with youth from Bastar also participating enthusiastically in the journey.
Bastar witnessing expansion of development opportunities
Sai said Bastar had remained affected by the problem of Naxalism for a long period, which disrupted the pace of development in the region.
Today, work is progressing rapidly to expand education, healthcare, roads, communication facilities and employment opportunities alongside peace and development, he said.
Connecting young people with the mainstream of development remains a priority of the government, Sai added.
The Chief Minister said investment was being encouraged through the new industrial policy to create new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the state.
Investment in emerging sectors such as semiconductors and data centres would open new avenues for employment and skill development for Chhattisgarh’s youth.
“Our goal is to build a generation of young people who stay away from drugs and contribute to the development of Chhattisgarh through their capabilities, hard work and innovation,” Sai said.
CM appreciates 27-year-long social initiative
Sai appreciated MLA Purandar Mishra for organising marches for the past 27 years on social issues including de-addiction, tree plantation and cleanliness.
He said social transformation cannot be achieved through government efforts alone and requires active public participation.
“When a campaign becomes a movement of society, it is then that lasting and व्यापक results are achieved,” he said.
The Chief Minister said it was encouraging that thousands of people had taken a pledge to stay away from drugs after being inspired by these marches.
He expressed confidence that the Anti-Drug Awareness March Week would also bring positive changes in the lives of many people and particularly inspire youth to adopt a healthy and purposeful lifestyle.
Sai urged the students and young people present at the event to carry the message of de-addiction to their families, friends and communities.
“A healthy youth, a healthy family and an aware society together can build a healthy, empowered and developed Chhattisgarh,” he said.
Rajya Sabha MP Lakshmi Verma, MLA Purandar Mishra, State Civil Supplies Corporation Chairman Sanjay Srivastava, State Hairdressers Welfare Board Chairman Gaurishankar Shrivas, Film Development Corporation Chairperson Mona Sen, State Minority Commission Chairman Amarjeet Chhabra and State Women’s Commission Chairperson Mamta Sahu were among those present.
A large number of public representatives, dignitaries, students, youth, women and citizens also participated in the programme.
