Una, September 16:- The Indira Sports Ground came alive with activity from Wednesday morning. Students and young people from schools and colleges across the district began arriving here from their respective institutions. A large number of local residents also reached the venue to participate in the Walkathon. Some were seen clicking pictures with friends, some carried placards bearing messages against drugs, while at several places youngsters were seen dancing to songs. Soon, the ground was filled with youthful enthusiasm, and with the participation of around 40,000 people, Una demonstrated its unity against drugs.
Despite such a large gathering, the arrangements made by the district administration and police remained well-organised and tight. Arrangements were made for traffic and crowd management as well as drinking water and refreshments for the participants. Students and members of the public who had arrived from far-flung areas also faced no inconvenience during the event.
From 8 a.m., performances by the police band ‘Harmony of the Pines’ added further colour to the atmosphere. Youngsters continued to sway to the tunes of the songs. Applause could be heard at some places, while slogans against drugs echoed at others. The enthusiasm of the youth was visible everywhere on the ground.
When the Walkathon began under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, this enthusiasm spilled onto the streets. Children and youngsters showed great excitement about walking alongside the Chief Minister and taking selfies with him. Wherever the Chief Minister stopped, crowds gathered to get photographs with him. Many youngsters were seen taking selfies while walking alongside him.
The Chief Minister also walked comfortably amid the enthusiasm of the youth. He interacted with children and youngsters throughout the route. He asked some about their well-being and spoke to others about their studies and future. Walking a few steps with the Chief Minister and interacting with him directly became a special experience of the Walkathon for the youth.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, MLAs Rakesh Kalia, Sudarshan Bablu and Vivek Sharma, former minister and Chairman of the SC Commission Kuldeep Kumar, former MLA Satpal Raizada, Advocate General Anoop Rattan, District Congress President Deshraj Gautam and other dignitaries also walked with the youth alongside the Chief Minister.
During the Walkathon, the Chief Minister also administered an oath to the youth for the anti-chitta campaign and environmental protection and conveyed the message of making Himachal a chitta-free state.
As thousands of feet moved from the ground onto the streets, slogans and songs continued to echo. There were placards in their hands, voices raised against drugs and tremendous enthusiasm in their steps. The resolve to stay away from drugs and move towards a healthy and better future was also clearly visible in the enthusiasm of the youth.
Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari described the gathering in Una as historic and said that among the anti-chitta Walkathons organised in the state so far, Una’s public participation was the largest and record-setting. Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal expressed gratitude to the youth, educational institutions, departments and everyone who contributed to the event.
The Walkathon, held in the presence of around 40,000 people, left behind a memorable picture for Una. The enthusiasm of the youth that began at the ground in the morning reached the streets. Amid songs and slogans, thousands of feet moved forward together, and one message continued to echo throughout the route...Strike against chitta, Himachal is ready.