Dattatraya backs drug-free society campaign as Hyderabad cyclists prepare for 3,700-km expedition
Hyderabad: Former Governor Bandaru Dattatraya called for a drug-free society campaign and encouraged young people to adopt cycling for better health and physical fitness.
Speaking at a felicitation programme organised by the Alai Balai Foundation in Ramnagar on Saturday, November 14, he praised the Hyderabad Cyclists Group (HCG). Its members were preparing for a 3,700-km anti-drug cycling expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
The cyclists planned to undertake the journey with the slogan ‘Say No to Drugs’ to promote awareness against drug use.
The programme was held under the chairpersonship of Alai Balai Foundation Chairperson Bandaru Vijayalakshmi. During the event, Dattatraya felicitated the participating cyclists and ceremonially flagged off their expedition.
Drug-free society campaign to cover 3,700 km in 21 days
The Hyderabad Cyclists Group planned to begin its expedition from Srinagar on November 19. The team would travel through several cities before reaching Kanyakumari. The cyclists aimed to complete the 3,700-km journey in 21 days while spreading awareness about the dangers of drug use.
The expedition team included Gaddam Mallesh, Police Inspector with the EAGLE Force, and Selvi, a teacher at an Army School. Other participants included Uma Maheshwar Rao, Sridhar Jinna, Srinivas Goud, Dr. Srikanth and Raghuram Suri, an advocate at the Telangana High Court.
The group included a woman cyclist, reflecting the participation of both men and women in the awareness initiative. Addressing the gathering, Dattatraya urged young people to stay away from drugs and make cycling part of their daily lives.
He said regular cycling improved physical fitness and helped prevent several health problems. Moreover, he stressed that healthy habits among young people could contribute to building a healthier society.
Dattatraya expressed confidence that the expedition would encourage young people to embrace physical activity and avoid drugs. He also said the initiative would support the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat and Nasha Mukt Telangana campaigns.
According to Dattatraya, the cyclists’ journey would carry the message of healthy living and drug prevention across different parts of the country. He appreciated the Hyderabad Cyclists Group for undertaking the long-distance expedition to spread awareness among the public.
Dattatraya wished the participants a safe and successful journey. He expressed hope that their anti-drug message would reach young people across the country.