National Motorcycle Rally of Police Forces Flagged Off on National Unity Day
Mumbai, October 2026: Drug addiction is a serious challenge facing society, particularly the younger generation. Along with curbing the supply of narcotics, efforts must focus on reducing demand through public awareness, prevention, rehabilitation and support for people struggling with addiction, Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said on Saturday.
He called upon young people to become ambassadors for a drug-free India and actively promote awareness, prevention and rehabilitation initiatives.
The Governor was speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the national motorcycle rally titled ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat – Fight Against Drugs’, organised ahead of National Unity Day, which commemorates the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The event was held at Nariman Point in Mumbai. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Mayor Ritu Tawde, Director General of Police Sadanand Date, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Governor’s Secretary Dr Prashant Narnaware and Additional Director General of Police of the State Reserve Police Force Rajkumar Vatkar were among those present.
Police officers and personnel from various states, along with students, also attended the programme.
Governor Varma flagged off the motorcycle rally, which departed for Gujarat. Police representatives from different states and Union Territories, along with personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), are participating in the initiative.
The rally aims to spread the message of national unity while raising awareness among young people about the harmful effects of drug abuse. It will culminate at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.
Constant vigilance essential to protect national unity
The Governor said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had played a historic and decisive role in integrating the princely states into the Indian Union. His visionary leadership laid the foundation for a strong and united India.
He stressed that constant vigilance was essential to safeguard national unity.
Varma also praised the Maharashtra Police for their professionalism, dedication and exemplary service. Besides maintaining peace, security and law and order, the police play an important role in creating a safe and industry-friendly environment in the state.
He highlighted the Maharashtra Police’s contribution to controlling Naxalite activities in Gadchiroli district. The district is now emerging as an important steel hub, creating new opportunities for development, he said.
Focus on reducing demand for narcotics
The Governor emphasised that tackling the drug problem required action against both the supply and demand for narcotics.
Preventing drug trafficking and identifying and taking action against traffickers and sellers are responsibilities of the police and anti-narcotics agencies. However, reducing demand requires the active participation of society as a whole.
Public awareness, preventive measures, rehabilitation and support for people affected by addiction are essential to achieving lasting results, he said. Varma also expressed satisfaction with the work being undertaken by anti-drug task forces.
‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ in colleges and universities
The Governor said the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan had been launched in colleges and universities under his role as Chancellor of state universities. The initiative aims to keep educational campuses free from narcotics and other addictive substances.
A dedicated portal has been developed for the campaign, through which thousands of students have taken a pledge to stay away from drugs, he said.
Varma stressed that students, educational institutions, families, civil society organisations and police forces must work together to achieve the goal of a drug-free India.
Appreciating the participation of college students from Mumbai, he urged young people to join the campaign and spread awareness in their communities.
The Governor congratulated the Maharashtra Police and the State Reserve Police Force for organising the rally to promote national unity and a drug-free India. He also extended his best wishes to the participants for the journey ahead.
Rally to culminate at Statue of Unity on October 31
In his introductory remarks, State Reserve Police Force Additional Director General of Police Rajkumar Vatkar said a National Unity Parade would be held on October 31 at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, in front of the Statue of Unity, to mark Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary.
This year, motorcycle riders from different states have joined the initiative to promote the message of a drug-free India. The rally has set out for Gujarat from various state capitals and is spreading awareness in cities and villages along the route, he said.
Vatkar added that just as police forces had contributed to the goal of building a Naxal-free India, they must actively participate in the fight against narcotics. He expressed confidence that the Maharashtra Police, Mumbai Police and police teams from other states were committed to achieving the objective of a drug-free India.
Students from Mumbai colleges participate
Students from K.C. College, H.R. College, Sydenham College, Government Law College, H.S.N.C. University, Wilson College and Purushottam High School participated in the programme.
The event was conducted by Roshan Shetty, while State Reserve Police Force Commandant Sanjay Jadhav delivered the vote of thanks.
