Press Release
Press Release from Social Welfare Department
Information & Public Relations Department
The Government of Sikkim Organises State-wide Freedom Run under Nasha Mukt Sikkim Campaign
Gangtok, August 3rd, 2024:The Government of Sikkim successfully organised the Freedom Run on August 3rd, 2024, as a pivotal element of the Nasha Mukt Sikkim Campaign which is spearheaded by the Social Welfare Department, under the aegis of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. This event was a significant part of the campaign's comprehensive awareness strategy in order to combat drug addiction and foster a drug-free society while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among the citizens of Sikkim.
District Collectors organised the event in their respective districts, with the Social Welfare Department providing the necessary logistics and support. The Freedom Run was held simultaneously across all six districts of Sikkim, ensuring widespread participation and engagement. Open to the public, including senior students, government employees, and youth, the event featured categories for males and females in the general public and boys and girls for students. The event also featured attractive prizes to encourage participation and reward excellence. Medals were given to the top 10 finishers in each category, and all participants received certificates of participation, recognising their contribution to the cause.
Drug addiction is a profound issue affecting not only individuals who misuse substances but also their families and communities. The misuse of drugs leads to severe health problems, including both mental and physical decline, while also straining relationships, causing financial difficulties, and contributing to social instability. The Freedom Run addresses these issues by promoting a healthy lifestyle and emphasising the critical role of fitness and sports in combating addiction. Regular physical activity alleviates stress, improves mental health, and fosters a sense of community— essential elements in preventing and overcoming drug abuse. Through such events, the Government of Sikkim aims to offer positive alternatives and provide vital support for individuals in making healthier life choices and seeking help for addiction.
In Gangtok District, the event was launched by Shri. Samdup Lepcha, Hon’ble Minister, Social Welfare Department.Smt.Kala Rai, Hon’ble MLA, Smt.Sarika Pradhan, Secretary Social Welfare Department, Shri. Satyen Kr. Pradhan Special Secretary of the Social Welfare Department and Shri. Tushar G. Nikhare (IAS), and DC Gangtok, were also present as prominent guests. The run was flagged off at Reshithang Khel Ground, Ranka, attracting around 350 participants. In Soreng District, Chief Guest Smt.Tila Devi Gurung, ZillaAdhakshya, launched the event at Soreng Bazar, with approximately 250 participants from various associations and the general public. In Namchi District, Ms Anupa Tamling, DC Namchi, oversaw the event at Kishan Market, which covered routes to Helipad and Chardham Junction, drawing around 300 participants. In Mangan District, Shri Anant Jain (IAS), DC Mangan, supervised a 5 km marathon from Mangan Nagar Panchayat premises to ViewPoint, with about 125 participants. In Gyalshing District, Chief Guest Smt.Yishey
D.Yongda, DC Gyalshing, witnessed participation from about 181 individuals, including attendees from Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions. In Pakyong District, Shri. Agawane Rohan Ramesh, DC Pakyong, managed the event, which featured a 5 km run for students and a 10 km run for the general public, with roughly 300 participants.
The Freedom Run was designed to unite individuals from all segments of society in a collective effort to advancetheNashaMukt Sikkim Campaign. By raising awareness about the impact of drug addiction, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and providing vital information on available support, the event represents a significant initiative in our ongoing mission to build a healthier and more resilient
community. The collaborative efforts of the Government of Sikkim, its various departments, and the engaged citizenry were crucial to the event’s success.
In addition to the Freedom Run, Gangtok district also witnessed a variety of indoor activities which were organised by the Freedom Facility and Rehabilitation Centre Tathangchen in collaboration with the Nasha Mukt Sikkim Campaign under the aegis of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The event featured a wide variety of indoor games such as chess, carom, and other engaging activities. These activities provided a constructive and entertaining alternative to substance abuse, fostering both mental engagement and healthy social interactions. Participants from schools and rehabilitation centres across Sikkim took part in the event, demonstrating the collective commitment to preventing drug abuse and supporting recovery. The event not only highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote a drug-free society but also emphasised the importance of holistic well-being by providing constructive outlets and fostering a supportive community environment, the initiative aims to empower individuals to lead drug-free lives and support those on the path to recovery.
Gangtok, August 3rd, 2024:The Government of Sikkim successfully organised the Freedom Run on August 3rd, 2024, as a pivotal element of the Nasha Mukt Sikkim Campaign which is spearheaded by the Social Welfare Department, under the aegis of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. This event was a significant part of the campaign's comprehensive awareness strategy in order to combat drug addiction and foster a drug-free society while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among the citizens of Sikkim.
District Collectors organised the event in their respective districts, with the Social Welfare Department providing the necessary logistics and support. The Freedom Run was held simultaneously across all six districts of Sikkim, ensuring widespread participation and engagement. Open to the public, including senior students, government employees, and youth, the event featured categories for males and females in the general public and boys and girls for students. The event also featured attractive prizes to encourage participation and reward excellence. Medals were given to the top 10 finishers in each category, and all participants received certificates of participation, recognising their contribution to the cause.
Drug addiction is a profound issue affecting not only individuals who misuse substances but also their families and communities. The misuse of drugs leads to severe health problems, including both mental and physical decline, while also straining relationships, causing financial difficulties, and contributing to social instability. The Freedom Run addresses these issues by promoting a healthy lifestyle and emphasising the critical role of fitness and sports in combating addiction. Regular physical activity alleviates stress, improves mental health, and fosters a sense of community— essential elements in preventing and overcoming drug abuse. Through such events, the Government of Sikkim aims to offer positive alternatives and provide vital support for individuals in making healthier life choices and seeking help for addiction.
In Gangtok District, the event was launched by Shri. Samdup Lepcha, Hon’ble Minister, Social Welfare Department.Smt.Kala Rai, Hon’ble MLA, Smt.Sarika Pradhan, Secretary Social Welfare Department, Shri. Satyen Kr. Pradhan Special Secretary of the Social Welfare Department and Shri. Tushar G. Nikhare (IAS), and DC Gangtok, were also present as prominent guests. The run was flagged off at Reshithang Khel Ground, Ranka, attracting around 350 participants. In Soreng District, Chief Guest Smt.Tila Devi Gurung, ZillaAdhakshya, launched the event at Soreng Bazar, with approximately 250 participants from various associations and the general public. In Namchi District, Ms Anupa Tamling, DC Namchi, oversaw the event at Kishan Market, which covered routes to Helipad and Chardham Junction, drawing around 300 participants. In Mangan District, Shri Anant Jain (IAS), DC Mangan, supervised a 5 km marathon from Mangan Nagar Panchayat premises to ViewPoint, with about 125 participants. In Gyalshing District, Chief Guest Smt.Yishey
D.Yongda, DC Gyalshing, witnessed participation from about 181 individuals, including attendees from Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions. In Pakyong District, Shri. Agawane Rohan Ramesh, DC Pakyong, managed the event, which featured a 5 km run for students and a 10 km run for the general public, with roughly 300 participants.
The Freedom Run was designed to unite individuals from all segments of society in a collective effort to advancetheNashaMukt Sikkim Campaign. By raising awareness about the impact of drug addiction, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and providing vital information on available support, the event represents a significant initiative in our ongoing mission to build a healthier and more resilient
community. The collaborative efforts of the Government of Sikkim, its various departments, and the engaged citizenry were crucial to the event’s success.
In addition to the Freedom Run, Gangtok district also witnessed a variety of indoor activities which were organised by the Freedom Facility and Rehabilitation Centre Tathangchen in collaboration with the Nasha Mukt Sikkim Campaign under the aegis of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The event featured a wide variety of indoor games such as chess, carom, and other engaging activities. These activities provided a constructive and entertaining alternative to substance abuse, fostering both mental engagement and healthy social interactions. Participants from schools and rehabilitation centres across Sikkim took part in the event, demonstrating the collective commitment to preventing drug abuse and supporting recovery. The event not only highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote a drug-free society but also emphasised the importance of holistic well-being by providing constructive outlets and fostering a supportive community environment, the initiative aims to empower individuals to lead drug-free lives and support those on the path to recovery.