Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], September 21 : Former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel on Sunday participated in the 'NaMo Yuva Run' in Gujarat's Ahmedabad and lauded the initiative aiming at a drug-free India.
Parthiv Patel told ANI, "This is a great program. It is essential for the country to be 'Nasha Mukt' (drug-free). So, this program organised by Yuva Morcha is necessary, and awareness is essential."
Meanwhile, Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel participated in 'NaMo Yuva Run' in Ahmedabad and said that thousands of youth participated to support the campaign for a drug-free India as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 75th birthday celebrations.
"On the occasion of the 75th birthday of PM Modi, there is great enthusiasm across the country. The country is celebrating 'Seva Pakhwara'. Today in Ahmedabad, 20,000-25,000 youth have come together for 'Nasha Mukt Bharat'. There is great enthusiasm." Patel told reporters.
'Namo Yuva Run' is a flagship campaign by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), under which 100 simultaneous runs across the country, each engaging a minimum of 10,000 young participants, are being organised under the BJP's Seva Pakhwada, marking PM Modi's birthday celebrations.
Announced on September 7, the 'NaMo Yuva Run', under the leadership of BJYM National President Tejasvi Surya, is a campaign for a drug-free India.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also flagged off the 'NaMo Yuva Run' in Kurukshetra and lauded the initiative, calling it a "significant step" towards a bright future.
Addressing the gathering, CM Saini called it a run for the nation's development, reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a Viksit Bharat (developed India).
He said, "It is a matter of pride that youth are participating in thousands in NaMo Yuva Run in Kurukshetra. The youth's energy, which signifies national building and this initiative is a significant step towards a bright future. This is not a mere five-kilometre run; this run is for the nation's development, which lights up a feeling of dedication, patience and hard work."
"Prime Minister's leadership, vision and dedication towards the nation show us the dream of a new India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has presented the vision of Viksit Bharat, where every citizen is empowered, youth get employment, and our economy strongly moves forward," Haryana CM said.