Chandigarh, September 21- Gurugram today gave a powerful message of a drug-free society through 'Namo Yuva Run'. More than 10 thousand participants participated enthusiastically in this grand race that started from Leisure Valley Parking. The race was flagged off by Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal. Haryana's Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh and Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Minister (Independent Charge) Gaurav Gautam were also present at the event.
Union Minister Manohar Lal called upon the thousands of youth participating in the Namo Yuva Run to play a leading role in building a drug-free society. He said that drugs destroy the potential of an individual and weaken the society. If the youth stay away from drugs and focus on education, sports and skill development, not only will their future be secure, but the entire society will move forward in a better direction.
Shri Manohar Lal said that if the country is young, then its future will also be young. He said that today about 65 percent of India's population is youth, and this is our biggest strength.
On this basis, every district and state of the country can reach new heights of development. Shri Manohar Lal said that today the youth of Haryana are showcasing their talent and hard work not only in the state but across the country. The youth of Haryana have made their mark in fields like sports, education, technology and industry.
He said that education and skill development are the real strength of the youth. If the youth continue to move forward on the path of education and skill, their contribution will undoubtedly be significant in India's journey to become a developed nation.
The Union Minister said that there should be no dearth of hard work in life, but staying healthy is equally important. To achieve this, everyone should adopt Yoga in their lives.
He further said that youth have played a significant role in all the major changes in world history. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, the Union Minister said that he inspired the youth by saying, "Arise and awake, do not stop till the goal is achieved."
Today's youth should also take inspiration from his teachings and move forward. He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken concrete steps towards realising the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi by launching a massive cleanliness drive in the country. Every section of the society should contribute to this effort.
The Union Minister said that events like Namo Yuva Durga provide an important platform to encourage the energy and talent of the youth. Such events not only give the message of discipline and unity to the youth, but also strengthen the spirit of nation building. He further said that the blood donation camps and other activities organized during Seva Pakhwada are promoting social awareness and the spirit of public service.

*Youth plays a key role in realizing the dream of New India: Rao Narbir Singh
Speaking on the occasion, Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh said that the Seva Bhava, which started on September 17, the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is being celebrated with special activities and public awareness programmes across the district till October 2. During this period, blood donation, health check-up, tree plantation, cleanliness drives, sports competitions and several public service related events are being organized, involving active participation of the public, especially the youth.
He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to make India a developed nation by 2047. To achieve this goal, not only economic progress but also social health, environmental protection and moral responsibility are equally important. If we move forward while protecting nature and environment, the journey of development will be even stronger.
The Cabinet Minister appealed to the youth to take out time for environmental protection and physical exercise every day. He said that when the youth adopt this pledge, both the nature and health of the country will be strengthened. At the same time, the role of the youth will be important in realizing the dream of a new India.

*NAMO Yuva Run an important link in strengthening unity in nation building: Gaurav Gautam
Addressing the youth, Minister of Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge), Gaurav Gautam said that NAMO Yuva Run is an important link in strengthening discipline, tolerance, patience and unity in nation building. He said that such events instill patriotism, healthy competition and positive thinking among the youth, which are essential for India's bright future.
The Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has promised to make India a developed nation by 2047, and youth have a big role to play in realizing this promise. He said that today's youth are the backbone of campaigns like Digital India, Skill India and Fit India. These campaigns are not just programs but the strong foundation of a new India.
He invited the youth to contribute to making India self-reliant by adopting the mantra of Vocal for Local. He said that if every youth uses their potential and energy in the right direction, then India will definitely not only become self-reliant but also fulfill its dream of becoming a world leader.
On this occasion, Sohna MLA Tejpal Tanwar, Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma, BJP National Secretary Om Prakash Dhankhar, former Sports Minister and Program Coordinator Sanjay Singh, Director General of Skill Development and Industrial Training Department Dr. Vivek Agarwal, DC Ajay Kumar and other dignitaries were present.