Gujarat Flags Off Nationwide Anti-Drug Bike Rally to Ekta Nagar

Gandhinagar has seen the departure of a nationwide motorcycle rally aimed at raising awareness about drug misuse. The rally, made up of more than 550 personnel, is headed for the Statue of Unity and will take part in the National Unity Day parade on October 31.

On Sunday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel flagged off the rally from the Secretariat premises in Gandhinagar. The campaign follows the theme 'Fight Against Drugs.' Participants will proceed to the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar, locally known as Kevadia.

Director General of Police Gyanendra Singh Malik confirmed that 45 teams are participating across four zones, using more than 275 motorcycles. Each participating state has contributed five bikers. Riders are coming from Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, and Central Armed Police Forces personnel are also part of the contingent.

Malik stated that teams from across India would reach Ekta Nagar today, carrying the message of 'Fight Against Drugs.' Awareness events and oath-taking activities are being held at several points along the way to encourage people, and especially young people, to avoid drugs.

The rally is linked to preparations for the National Unity Day celebrations on October 31, which mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He is widely remembered for his role in bringing India's princely states together after Independence.

The North Zone team had earlier received a flag-off from Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on October 21. That team reached Gandhinagar after travelling through Haryana and Rajasthan. From Gandhinagar, the rally will move through Anand and Vadodara to Ekta Nagar.

The campaign slogan, 'Say no to drugs, say yes to life,' aims to discourage drug abuse through public outreach and community engagement.

The National Unity Day parade is held annually to honour Sardar Patel's contribution to national unity and integrity. It brings security forces and other units together at Ekta Nagar in Narmada district, Gujarat.