Agartala, October 14: Under the initiative of the West District Health Department, a “Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0” and Red Run Marathon was organized today at Umakanta Academy Ground, Agartala, with the aim of spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS and preventing drug abuse among the youth.
The awareness rally was flagged off in the presence of West District’s Acting Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil, District Magistrate Vishal Kumar, Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak, Traffic Police Superintendent, Chief Medical Officer of the West District Health Department, and other officials.
Participants from various organizations, institutions, and schools took part in the event to promote healthy living and encourage the younger generation to stay away from addiction.
Speaking to the media, District Magistrate Vishal Kumar said, “Through today’s District Level Red Run Program, we want to send a strong message to all citizens to protect themselves from HIV and AIDS, stay away from drugs and tobacco consumption, and focus on maintaining good health through sports and physical activities. The administration and the government stand with the people, ready to support them wherever needed. We urge everyone to give up bad habits and follow healthy practices in life.”
He further mentioned that representatives from the District Administration, Chief Medical Office, Traffic and District Police, Education Department, nine colleges, and eight schools participated in the event along with the general public, making it a large-scale awareness initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Biswajit Shil, Acting Sabhadhipati of West District, said, “Our state government under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha is committed to making Tripura a drug-free state. The rise in HIV/AIDS cases is linked to drug addiction, and to prevent that, we must stay away from all forms of intoxication. Today’s rally from Umakanta Ground aims to spread awareness among our youth so that they don’t fall into addiction. The Red Run is a symbolic effort to send out a message—say no to drugs and tobacco, and build a healthy, addiction-free society.”
The event emphasized the vision of the Chief Minister’s call for a “Nesha Mukt Tripura, Nesha Mukt Jila” (Drug-Free Tripura, Drug-Free District), encouraging all sections of society to join hands in building a healthier and addiction-free future.
