Youth rally for drug-free India in Anantapur awareness run

The National Service Scheme (NSS), Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Anantapur, in coordination with MYBharat of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Eagle team, Anantapur police department organised a 5K awareness run on ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat – Say No to Drugs’ in the city on Sunday. The run commenced from Clock Tower and concluded at JNTU-A College of Engineering.

The National Service Scheme (NSS) at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Anantapur, in coordination with MYBharat of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Eagle team from the Anantapur police department, organised a 5K awareness run on “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat – Say No to Drugs” in the city on Sunday. The run commenced at the Clock Tower and concluded at the JNTU-A College of Engineering.

The event was graced by JNTU-A Vice-Chancellor H. Sudharsana Rao, Registrar Krishnaiah, APPSC Chairman (FAC) C. Sashidhar, MYBharat representatives Bisathi Bharath and G. Sreenivasulu, and several other dignitaries.

After the inauguration of the event, Vande Mataram was played to commemorate 150 years of the song. Nearly 500 youths registered and took part in the run, collectively taking a pledge for a Drug-Free India. The initiative aimed to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and to encourage youth to adopt a healthy, responsible, and drug-free lifestyle.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sudharsana Rao said the run was organised not merely as a sporting activity but as a social movement to create awareness against drug abuse. He highlighted that drug addiction poses a serious threat to physical health, mental well-being, and future of young people, and therefore, active participation of youth is essential in building a drug-free and progressive India.

Prizes were awarded separately for men and women participants, with first-prize winner receiving ₹11,000, second-prize winner receiving ₹7,000, and third-prize winner receiving ₹5,000. Apart from this, 12 consolation prizes of ₹3,000 each were presented to encourage participation and promote the message.

The event was sponsored by Adani Ambuja Group, PVKK Institutions, and RIPER Institutions. The programme concluded with a message encouraging the youth to stay away from drugs, promote healthy habits, and become responsible citizens.