Statewide youth drive to highlight fitness and fight against drugs
Munish Sood
MANDI: Himachal Pradesh will host a major youth mobilisation event later this week when the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) organises the ‘Namo Yuva Run’ simultaneously in Shimla, Mandi and Hamirpur on September 21.
The initiative, part of a nationwide campaign to mark the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which falls on September 17, is being projected as a rallying call for fitness, discipline and a drug-free lifestyle among the state’s youth.
BJYM state president Sunny Shukla, who formally announced the programme in Shimla on Tuesday (September 16, 2025), said the run will be flagged off from the historic Ridge in the state capital and conclude at Chaura Maidan.
Similar runs will take place in Mandi and Hamirpur the same morning. “The campaign is not just symbolic but an attempt to connect youth with the larger vision of building a developed India by 2047 while also confronting the pressing issue of drug abuse,” he said.
Political and cultural presence
The Shimla leg of the run is expected to draw significant attention, with BJP state president Dr Rajeev Bindal and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur slated to participate. Adding a cultural dimension, renowned singer Mohit Chauhan has been named brand ambassador for the run, bringing visibility and wider appeal to the event.
Organisers expect thousands of young people, including students and women, to participate across the three districts. Participants will wear specially designed T-shirts and a QR code system has been introduced to streamline registrations.
Beyond a birthday tribute
While the event is timed with Prime Minister Modi’s birthday celebrations, the BJYM leadership emphasised that the campaign has broader social goals. “This run is about channelising youthful energy towards positive social change,” Shukla said. “The message of staying away from drugs and adopting a healthier way of life is something that Himachal needs urgently.”
The Namo Yuva Run is being held as part of BJYM’s ‘Seva Pakhwada’, a fortnight-long campaign running from September 17 to October 2 across the country. In Himachal, the youth wing will also organise blood donation camps in all 17 organizational districts.
Drug menace in Himachal: A growing concern
The focus on drug-free living comes at a time when Himachal Pradesh is grappling with increasing concerns about substance abuse. Despite its serene environment and traditionally healthy lifestyle, the hill state has witnessed a disturbing rise in drug-related cases over the past decade.
According to police and health department data, narcotics such as heroin and synthetic drugs have penetrated deep into urban and rural pockets alike, with youth particularly vulnerable. Recent seizures along highways and border districts have highlighted how Himachal’s proximity to trafficking routes has worsened the situation.
Social activists argue that while enforcement has intensified, awareness and prevention campaigns are equally critical. “Events like these have a real impact because they use popular platforms such as fitness and music to get the message across,” said a Shimla-based educationist. “Drug addiction is not just a law-and-order issue; it is eroding family structures and endangering an entire generation.”
Youth engagement as strategy
Observers say the choice of a marathon reflects a conscious strategy to appeal directly to young people, many of whom are increasingly drawn to sports and fitness activities. Mohit Chauhan’s association as brand ambassador is also seen as an attempt to link culture and social messaging in a way that resonates beyond politics.
Shukla insisted that the event will not be restricted to party lines. “We want every young person, regardless of political affiliation, to join this run. The fight against drugs cannot be won by one party or one government — it requires a collective movement,” he said.
Part of nationwide campaign
The Himachal run is being synchronised with BJYM’s larger national plan to organise the Namo Yuva Run at 75 locations across India. The number is symbolic, marking Prime Minister Modi’s 75th birthday. In Himachal, the decision to host it in three districts on the same day reflects an attempt to maximise outreach while also projecting the state’s youth as active participants in national initiatives.
