NEW DELHI: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann orchestrated a historic event in Ludhiana on November 16, hosting India’s largest cycle rally organised by the Punjab Police. Over 25,000 enthusiastic participants from diverse backgrounds joined forces in a monumental initiative to tackle the persistent drug menace plaguing the state.
This rally, a significant step in the fight against drug abuse, demonstrated a united front against the issue. Participants, especially the youth, showcased a collective determination to eliminate drugs and foster a healthier, more prosperous environment.
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Mann underscored the primary objective of the rally, emphasising its role in effectively addressing drug abuse while promoting cycling as a sustainable and health-conscious lifestyle choice. The core aim was to substantially reduce drug demand by raising awareness about the severe consequences of drug abuse and advocating for a drug-free way of life.
During the rally’s inauguration, Mann highlighted the significance of the date, coinciding with the commemoration of Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha’s martyrdom – India’s youngest revolutionary who sacrificed his life at the age of 19.
Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed pride in the rally’s success, noting that cyclists had journeyed from five sacred locations associated with the sacrifices of martyrs such as Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Sukhdev, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, and Shaheed Udham Singh.
As a tribute, cyclists carried sacred soil from these esteemed sites, symbolising unity and hope, to plant trees representing harmony, promise, wisdom, unity, and hope. This symbolic gesture aimed to restore the state’s glory and underscore the rally’s noble cause.
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Mann emphasised that “Youth against Drugs” transcended being a mere cycle rally; it symbolised a collective effort to combat drug abuse, advocate for a healthier lifestyle, and honour the sacrifices of revolutionary heroes.