Raipur, September 30, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in a drug-free awareness padayatra held in the capital, spanning from Devendra Nagar Chowk to Lal Chowk, and stated that a drug-free and healthy Chhattisgarh would form the strong foundation of a developed Chhattisgarh.
Accompanied by a large number of school students, youth, women, public representatives, and citizens, the Chief Minister walked to convey the message of building a drug-free and healthy society. At the conclusion of the Padyatra, Sai paid tribute to the ‘Iron Man,’ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, by garlanding his statue at Lal Chowk.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister reiterated that a drug-free and healthy Chhattisgarh would serve as the strong foundation for a developed state. Substance abuse does not merely affect an individual; its adverse impact the entire family and society. It is our collective responsibility to protect the youth, in particular, from the menace of drugs.
He appealed to the people of the state to stay away from drugs themselves and to inspire those around them to adopt a drug-free lifestyle.
The Chief Minister remarked that the youth are the greatest strength of any state. If the youth are healthy, educated, and skilled, and channel their energy into positive endeavors, the state will progress rapidly. The state government is expanding opportunities for education, skill development, employment, self-employment, sports, and entrepreneurship for the youth. It is our endeavor that every young person in Chhattisgarh utilizes their talent and potential for the progress of their family, society, and the state.
Sai stated that a ‘Drug-Free Awareness Padyatra Week’ is being organized under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ (Service Pledge Campaign), spanning from the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on September 25 to the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on October 2. Mahatma Gandhi championed the messages of restraint, cleanliness, and healthy living; thus, this drug-free campaign also serves as a powerful medium to take his ideals to the masses.
He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always prioritized service in his public life. Various public service activities are being organized across the country under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ (Campaign for the Pledge of Service) to mark the completion of 25 years of his journey in governance, which began when he assumed the role of Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001. Through this campaign, widespread public participation is being ensured in initiatives related to cleanliness, environmental conservation, health, social awareness, and various forms of public service.
Sai stated that as part of this campaign, the ‘Aashirwad ka Diya’ (Lamp of Blessings) programme was organized across the state to pray for Prime Minister Modi’s good health and long life. Additionally, various programmes are being conducted to engage the youth with the spirit of service and nation-building. A group of bike riders, who had set out from Vadnagar, Gujarat, was welcomed upon their arrival in Raipur. Youth from the Bastar region also participated enthusiastically in this journey.
The Chief Minister noted that Bastar had long been affected by the problem of Naxalism, which hindered the pace of development in the area. Today, rapid progress is being made in the region regarding peace and development, as well as the expansion of facilities for education, healthcare, roads, communication, and employment. He emphasized that integrating the youth into the mainstream of development is a priority for the government.
He mentioned that investment is being encouraged through a new industrial policy to create fresh opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship in the state. Investments in modern and emerging sectors, such as semiconductors and data centers, will open new avenues for employment and skill development for the state’s youth. Our goal is to nurture a generation of young people who stay away from substance abuse and contribute to building a developed Chhattisgarh through their potential, hard work, and innovation.
Sai commended BJP MLA Purandar Mishra for organizing padyatras (foot marches) over the past 27 years to raise awareness about social issues such as de-addiction, tree plantation, and cleanliness. He remarked that societal change comes not merely through government efforts but through public participation; lasting and far-reaching results emerge only when a campaign becomes a movement of the people themselves.
The Chief Minister expressed happiness that, inspired by these padyatras, thousands of people have so far pledged to give up substance abuse. He expressed confidence that the ‘De-addiction Padyatra Week’ would also serve as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of many, inspiring the youth in particular to lead healthy and purposeful lives.
Sai urged the students and young people present to spread the message of de-addiction to their families, friends, and society. He stated that healthy youth, healthy families, and an aware society, working together, would build a healthy, empowered, and developed Chhattisgarh.
A large number of public representatives, prominent citizens, students, youth, women, and members of the general public were present on the occasion, including Rajya Sabha MP Lakshmi Verma, MLA Purandar Mishra, State Civil Supplies Corporation Chairman Sanjay Shrivastava, State Hair Stylists Welfare Board Chairman Gaurishankar Shrivas, Film Development Corporation Chairperson Mona Sen, State Minorities Commission Chairman Amarjeet Chhabra, and State Women’s Commission Chairperson Mamta Sahu.
