Jalandhar, April 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Under the anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ being run by the Punjab Government, the district administration, in collaboration with APJ School, organized “Cyclothon 4.0” today to spread awareness against drug abuse.
Around 2,000 participants took part in the cyclothon, giving a call to every section of society to unite against drugs. Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia flagged off the cyclothon from APJ School.
The Deputy Commissioner, along with officials, also participated in the cyclothon and urged people to build a strong mass movement against drugs.
Addressing the gathering, he said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has waged a war against drugs, with support coming from all sections of society.
He emphasized that no battle can be won without public cooperation. He added that the initiative was aimed at uniting people against the menace of drugs and encouraging youth towards a healthy lifestyle, and the enthusiastic response from residents of Jalandhar has proved that people stand firmly with the government in eradicating drugs.
He said that while strict action is being taken against drugs as per government directions, large-scale awareness activities are also being conducted. Efforts are being made to channelize the energy of youth into constructive activities to make Punjab drug-free and vibrant.
Mr. Walia appreciated APJ School and Principal Dr. Rajesh Chandel for their support in organizing the event. Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner administered an oath to participants and others present at the school to fight against drugs, motivate addicts to quit, and ensure active participation in the anti-drug campaign.
Later, addressing a press conference, he said that participants from Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and other districts also took part. He expressed hope that these energetic youth would act as beacons of change and spread awareness against drugs in every household.
He added that while strict action is being taken against drug traffickers, awareness campaigns have also been initiated. Free treatment is being provided at de-addiction centres, and vocational training is being imparted to help recovering individuals stand on their own feet and rejoin the mainstream of society. He appealed for active participation from all to eradicate drugs from the roots.
Participants, cycling clubs, officials and employees who contributed to the success of the event, along with office bearers of the District Olympic Association, were honoured.
The youngest cyclists who participated were also felicitated. Children with special needs from Red Cross and Prayas School also took part in the cyclothon.
Renowned folk singer Dalwinder Dayalpuri and Assistant Director Youth Services Ravi Dara motivated youth to stay away from drugs through performances.
Among others present were Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Divya P., Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Tejdeep Singh Saini, President Fit Bikes Club Parmjeet Singh Sachdeva, Vice Chairman Dalit Development Board Ajay Pal Valmiki, Principal Dr. Rajesh Chandel, ADCP Jayant Puri, SDM Jalandhar-1 Navdeep Singh, SDM Jalandhar-2 Shayri Malhotra, SDM Adampur Lal Vishwas Bains, SDM Phillaur Deepak Bhatia, ACP Ashok Meena, Assistant Commissioner (G) Asha Rani, Deputy DEO Rajeev Joshi, Secretary District Red Cross Society Surjit Lal, President Model Town Shopkeeper Association Rajeev Duggal and other dignitaries.
It is noteworthy that the cyclothon was organized in three categories—5 km, 10 km and 21 km—starting from APJ School Model Town and concluding at the same venue after covering designated routes, where participants were warmly welcomed.
Prominent cyclists including Pankaj Gautam, Mandeep Prabhakar and Balraj Chauhan also participated in the event.
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