On Sunday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Yuva Morcha president and Lok Sabha MP Tejasvi Surya declared that the "drug-free India" message was the cornerstone of the 'Namo Yuva Run,' a nationwide youth marathon held to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday on September 17. The event, flagged off in Mumbai by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Surya, and fitness icon Milind Soman, saw an unprecedented participation of over 10 lakh young Indians across 75 locations nationwide.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Surya emphasized the run’s core mission: inspiring India’s youth to embrace a drug-free lifestyle. “A drug-free India is the most powerful message we can deliver to the youth of this nation as we celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday,” he stated. The BJP Yuva Morcha orchestrated the event on an unparalleled scale, marking it as one of the largest youth-focused initiatives in recent times.
The 'Namo Yuva Run' aimed not only to honor PM Modi’s vision for a healthier, more vibrant India but also to galvanize young people toward social causes. Surya highlighted the event’s success in mobilizing millions, stating, “This is the largest-ever scale at which such an event has been organized. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the youth who participated with enthusiasm and commitment.”
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Fitness icon and actor Milind Soman, who served as the run’s ambassador, played a pivotal role in inspiring participants. Surya expressed deep gratitude, saying, “I am especially thankful to Milind Soman for agreeing to be the run ambassador and motivating us all with his dedication to fitness and a healthy lifestyle.” Soman’s involvement added significant star power, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging young runners to adopt healthier habits.
The event also underscored the BJP’s broader agenda of promoting youth engagement in nation-building. Chief Minister Fadnavis, addressing the Mumbai gathering, praised the initiative as a step toward empowering young Indians to lead the fight against social issues like drug abuse. “This run is not just a celebration of our Prime Minister’s milestone birthday but a call to action for a stronger, healthier, and drug-free India,” he said.
Organizers reported that the run featured diverse participation, with students, fitness enthusiasts, and local community members joining in cities and towns across India. From Delhi to Chennai, and Ahmedabad to Kolkata, the 'Namo Yuva Run' became a platform for uniting young Indians under a shared vision of health and social responsibility.
The initiative aligns with PM Modi’s long-standing advocacy for a drug-free society, as seen in campaigns like 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.' Surya noted that the run was a symbolic step toward realizing Modi’s vision, urging participants to spread awareness about the dangers of substance abuse in their communities.
As the event concluded, Surya called on the youth to continue the momentum. “Let this run be the beginning of a larger movement. Let’s pledge to make India drug-free, not just today but every day,” he urged. With the 'Namo Yuva Run' setting a new benchmark for youth engagement, the message of a healthier, drug-free India resonates strongly as the nation looks toward a brighter future.
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