Chandigarh, Sept. 17 -- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday urged young people to stay away from drugs and channelise their energy, talent and skills towards nation-building, saying substance abuse destroys families and gradually weakens society.
Saini was speaking after flagging off the 'Nasha Mukt Haryana Namo Marathon' in Ambala to mark the beginning of the month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, organised to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public life.
Greeting Modi on his 76th birthday, Saini said the prime minister's public life reflected the values of service, resolve and putting the nation before self.
He said drugs could not solve problems and warned that temporary intoxication could come at the cost of lifelong dreams. "Drugs first weaken the body, then break self-confidence, take away dreams, destroy the happiness of families and gradually hollow out society," he said.
Saini urged youngsters not to allow momentary pressure or bad company to undermine the sacrifices and aspirations of their parents.
He said the energy of India's youth was the strongest foundation for building a developed nation. Referring to government initiatives, he said Khelo India had provided opportunities to sporting talent, Fit India promoted healthy lifestyles, while Skill India and Startup India had connected young people with skills, opportunities and entrepreneurship.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.