Chennai, 26 June

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday actively ran a six km anti-drug marathon with thousands of participants, breaking away from the traditional role of merely flagging off the event or performing a brief ceremonial run.

The 52-year-old Vijay, clad in athletic gear and sporting coolers, completed the entire six km run continuously at Chennai's Marina Beach, making history as the first sitting Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to run such a distance with the public for a social cause, an official said.

Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Vijay also issued a strong call to action, urging citizens to unite in creating a drug-free, safe, and healthy state.

Though former chief ministers are known for their fitness, especially practicing yoga, walking, jogging, or working out in gym, this is the first time a sitting CM joined the participants, mostly students and youth, and completed the full course, the official said.

Earlier, Vijay officially flagged off the "Start Run, Stop Drugs" awareness marathon and administered a pledge to the participants. Before anyone could realise, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder, got down from the stage and started running amidst loud cheering by the enthusiastic participants.

The marathon was organised by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT).

His unprecedented move won the appreciation of former Governor and BJP leader Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan.

"It is heartening and appreciable to see Hon'ble Chief Minister Vijay joining today's anti-drug marathon alongside a large number of youngsters. When leaders walk, run, and stand with the people, awareness reaches every home. The fight against drugs is beyond politics. Let us all work together for a drug-free Tamil Nadu," she said on 'X'.

Before commencing the event, Vijay administered a pledge in which the participants took a solemn oath to abstain from drugs, educate their families and friends about the harmful effects of drug addition, and contribute their efforts towards helping those who are struggling with substance abuse to recover.

The pledge emphasised supporting the government's initiatives to eradicate drugs in Tamil Nadu and promised dedicated service towards the state's development and welfare of the people.

Earlier, the chief minister signed on the commitment board saying " Sports edu, drugs vidu" (Take up sports, give up drugs).

Similar anti-drug run and mini-marathons were organised in several districts across Tamil Nadu to promote a healthy lifestyle among people.

Emphasizing that raising awareness about the evils of substance abuse is paramount to securing the future of the youth and curbing crime, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of constructive engagement, strict legal enforcement, and community cooperation in building a resilient society.

"On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, it is vital to raise awareness about the devastating effects of drugs in order to protect the future of our youth, prevent crime, and create a drug-free Tamil Nadu", he said in his social media account.

"We can eradicate drugs and build a resilient society by actively engaging our youth in constructive avenues such as education, sports, and skill development, alongside enforcing stringent legal actions and fostering collective community efforts", he said, adding "let us all stand in support of the various initiatives undertaken by the Government of Tamil Nadu to prevent drug-related crimes, and pledge on this day to forge a drug-free, secure, and healthy Tamil Nadu."