Inaugurates ‘Marhama Premier Cricket League’, calls youth “Ambassadors of Drug-Free Campaign”
Anantnag :As part of the intensified 100-day Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, visited Marhama Saturday and inaugurated the ‘Marhama Premier Cricket League’.
ADC, Dr. Muzamil Maqbool, ACR; Tariq Ahmad Malik; SDM, Bijbehara, Tanveer Ahmad; SDPO Bijbehara, Dr. Mudasir Farooqi and other key officials were present during the inaugural ceremony. Local cricket stars and players besides scores of youth, sports enthusiasts, and spectators also attended the event, marking the commencement of a major sports initiative.
The primary purpose of the ceremony was to use such platforms to promote sports and guide youth toward a healthy lifestyle, away from the scourge of drug abuse.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the administration’s commitment and priorities regarding the goals of the ongoing 100-day “Nasha Mukt Abhiyan” (Drug-Free Campaign). He interacted with the players and urged them to serve as active community ambassadors, creating awareness and providing counseling to their peers to enhance the campaign’s impact.
To emphasize the essence of the campaign, the DC administered the Nasha Mukt pledge to the gathering, exhorting them to contribute actively toward eliminating the menace of drug abuse from society. He remarked that the initiative seeks to engage youth in positive activities and channelize their energy in a meaningful and constructive manner.
Describing the benefits of extracurricular activities, the DC termed sports a powerful tool to promote discipline, teamwork, competitive spirit, and resilience, especially among the youth. He noted that the district has the great advantage of having recognized sports stars mentor youth to improve their skills and develop into better athletes. He advised participants to stay away from drugs and act as role models and ambassadors for the NMJK Campaign.
The DC reiterated that the fight against the drug menace requires collective efforts and emphasized the importance of community participation, especially the involvement of youth, in making the campaign successful. He said that sports and games have great potential to inculcate the values of hard work, discipline, leadership, perseverance, and patience, paving the way for a healthy and drug-free society. He further called upon the youth to play with great passion and ambition and to constantly learn sports etiquette and new skills.
Highlighting the role of the 100-day campaign, the DC said that mass awareness is being created regarding the ill effects of drug abuse, adding that it is heartening to see youth engage in sports and other constructive activities. He noted that a multi-pronged strategy is currently in place, and that sports and other meaningful initiatives are being promoted to keep vulnerable groups away from drugs. He stressed that sports and extracurricular activities are a great medium to communicate with youth, sensitizing them to the drastic consequences of substance abuse and bolstering their confidence so they can contribute positively toward a healthy and drug-free district, UT, and country.
Cautioning about the ill effects of drug abuse, the DC stated that addiction not only destroys the lives and careers of individuals but also has devastating consequences on the financial and moral conditions of families and society. He stressed that it is every citizen’s moral and civic responsibility to contribute to the cause of a drug-free society in their personal, official, and professional capacities.
Dr. Bilal praised the organizers of the league, adding that the administration is committed to providing better sports infrastructure and necessary facilities to boost the sports ecosystem, alongside facilitating the smooth conduct of such events in the district. In response to the players’ request for a borewell at the stadium, he assured them the facility would be developed to cater to the needs of the athletes, spectators, and ground staff.
The youth of the area pledged their full support in amplifying the message of the 100-day anti-drug mission, affirming their dedication to creating a drug-free district. They also expressed appreciation for the administration’s efforts in fostering a culture of sports and social responsibility, as well as guiding them toward becoming better athletes and citizens.
Later, a ceremonial plantation drive, led by the Deputy Commissioner, was conducted along the boundaries of the ground.
