79-year-old Governor Kataria walks the talk against drug menace in Beas

Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, 79, on Tuesday walked 8 km as he participated in a two-day anti-drug march here.

Organised as a part of the ‘Nasha Mukt-Rangla Punjab’ campaign, the march started from Beas village of 114-year-old marathoner Fauja Singh towards Bhathe village. Even Fauja Singh walked alongwith the Governor for 1.5 km despite his age.

Kataria urged women to unite against this social evil and actively oppose drugs. He asked them to educate their children on the issue. He highlighted that drug addiction not only impacts an individual’s health but also brings suffering to their family, with women often bearing the brunt of this crisis.

While the governments were taking steps to address drug menace, its complete eradication required collective efforts from all citizens, he said. Calling for mass participation in the fight against drugs, the Governor stated that no campaign can succeed without the cooperation of the people.

Organised with the joint efforts of the Indian Red Cross Society and social activist Khushwant Singh, the march concluded at the Bhathe village from where it will reach its final destination at the Jang-e-Azadi Memorial in Kartarpur tomorrow. The Governor is expected to walk over 6.5 km again tomorrow.