- DGP G. S. Malik flags off Riverfront cyclothon as hundreds unite to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse
- Young voices, cyclists, police personnel and citizens turn Ahmedabad’s iconic Riverfront into a powerful platform for the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ movement
- Gujarat Police renew zero-tolerance campaign as state reports seizure of narcotics worth over ₹13,600 crore in the last five years
- Apollo International School student Inaaya N. Singh emerges as one of the youngest ambassadors of the anti-drug message
- Cyclothon reinforces the message that awareness, fitness and community participation are the strongest weapons against addiction
NE HEALTH/SPORTS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 27
The Sabarmati Riverfront transformed into a vibrant avenue of hope, health and awareness as Gujarat Police’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) organised a high-energy cyclothon to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, drawing police personnel, students, fitness enthusiasts and citizens in a united pledge against narcotics.
The awareness ride was flagged off by Director General of Police G. S. Malik, who called upon society to work collectively to prevent substance abuse and protect the country’s youth.
Addressing participants, DGP G. S. Malik said, “On 26th June, International Day Against Drug Abuse, also known globally as World Drug Day, was observed. On this occasion, a cyclothon was organised here. Police SPs, other staff, as well as private individuals and members of the public also participated in it. The main objective was to raise awareness among people, as drug-related issues and challenges are increasing.”
The event echoed Gujarat Police’s intensified anti-drug campaign. According to official figures, the force has prevented narcotics worth more than ₹13,600 crore from reaching the youth of Gujarat and other states over the past five years, while dismantling major international drug trafficking networks through sustained enforcement.
Adding a heartwarming dimension to the campaign was Inaaya N. Singh, a student of Apollo International School, Taragad, whose enthusiastic participation drew widespread appreciation. Standing confidently before the event stage, interacting with police personnel and passionately advocating the anti-drug message, the young student symbolised the campaign’s central theme—that safeguarding children begins with creating awareness from an early age.
With confidence beyond her years, Inaaya N. Singh spreads the powerful message of saying ‘No to Drugs’ and ‘Yes to Life’, inspiring fellow children and families alike.- NE photo
She is a sports enthusiast and has taken part in skating, swimming, cycling, running, cricket, football and adventure sports etc. With Ahmedabad gearing up to host many an international events, grooming children like Inaaya will put the city on world sports map.
Inaaya is the daughter of Dr. Supriya Singh, a university professor, and Nikhil Singh, a businessman. Her spirited participation underscored the vital role families, schools and communities play in building a generation that chooses health, sports and positive values over addiction.
The cyclothon also aligned with the nationwide Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign, which promotes prevention, community awareness and youth engagement as essential pillars in combating drug abuse. Across India, governments and enforcement agencies have intensified awareness drives, community outreach and intelligence-led operations to curb the menace of narcotics.
As cyclists rolled through Ahmedabad’s picturesque Riverfront carrying banners advocating a drug-free lifestyle, the event delivered a simple yet powerful message: every kilometre pedalled today is a step towards a healthier, safer and addiction-free tomorrow.
