Bhubaneswar: A grand walkathon was organised today morning by the Excise Department to mark the culmination of the first phase of its month-long anti-drug awareness campaign. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, sportspersons, government officials, and members of the public.
The walkathon commenced at 6:30 am from Gate No. 4 of Kalinga Stadium and concluded at Janata Maidan, with participants rallying in support of a drug-free society.
Minister of Law, Works, and Excise Prithviraj Harichandan flagged off the event and underscored the government’s commitment to tackling drug abuse.
“We are determined to protect our youth from the menace of drugs and to build a healthy, addiction-free society,” he said. The Minister also announced year-round awareness campaigns involving diverse sections of society.
The walkathon saw the presence of Excise Commissioner Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Excise Special Secretary Dharmendra Mallick, and Odisha State Beverage Corporation MD Ambar Kumar Kar, among others.
Cultural performances added vibrancy to the event. The Moksha Dance Group performed “Aama Sankalpa” (Our Pledge), inspired by the campaign’s theme song, followed by a play on drug de-addiction by the Lipsa Group. The event concluded with a musical act by the Vighnanz Band.
The month-long awareness campaign, launched on May 31 by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, included statewide programs in partnership with various departments, NGOs, students, and public figures. The initiative focused on raising awareness about the illegal drug trade, the circulation of banned substances, and the broader social impact of drug abuse.
Officials described the campaign as a significant step toward curbing drug-related issues and fostering community-led vigilance.
