Participants pledged to build a drug-free society at a 5K run organized in Anantapur on Sunday. | Photo credit: RVS PRASAD
National Service Scheme (NSS), Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Anantapur, in coordination with MYBharat of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Team Eagle, Anantapur Police Department organized a 5K awareness run on the theme ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat – Say No to Drugs’ in the city on Sunday. The run started from Clock Tower and ended at JNTU-A College of Engineering.
National Service Scheme (NSS) at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Anantapur, in coordination with MYBharat of Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Eagle Team of Anantapur Police Department, organized a 5K awareness run in the city on the theme ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat – Say No to Drugs in the City’. The run started at the clock tower and ended at JNTU-A College of Engineering.
JNTU Vice-Chancellor H. Sudharsana Rao, Registrar Krishnaiah, APPSC (FAC) Chairman C. Sashidhar, MYBharat representatives Bisathi Bharath and G. Sreenivasulu and several other dignitaries graced the event.
After inaugurating the event, Vande Mataram was played to commemorate 150 years of the song. Nearly 500 youths registered and participated in the run, collectively pledging for a drug-free India. The aim of the initiative was to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encourage youth to lead a healthy, responsible drug-free lifestyle.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sudharsana Rao said that the run was organized not only as a sporting activity but as a social movement to create awareness against drug abuse. He emphasized that drug addiction poses a serious threat to the physical health, mental well-being and future of the youth and therefore the active participation of the youth is essential in building a drug-free and progressive India.
Prizes were awarded separately for men and women, with the first prize winner receiving ₹11,000, the second prize winner ₹7,000 and the third prize winner receiving ₹5,000. In addition, 12 consolation prizes of ₹3,000 each were given to encourage participation and promote the message.
The event was sponsored by Adani Ambuja Group, PVKK Institutions and RIPER Institutions. The program concluded with a message encouraging the youth to stay away from drugs, promote healthy habits and become responsible citizens.
Published – March 8, 2026 8:23 PM IST
