Addressing participants, Dhami explained that the initiative seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and spread this message to every household. He stated, “Through this walkathon, we are strengthening our resolve to build a healthy and drug-free Uttarakhand. We must take this message to every household and involve every young person, student and child in this campaign, spreading the message of ‘Say no to drugs, and yes to life.'”

He described the walkathon as more than just an event, calling it a public awareness campaign and social movement. He commended those dedicated to addressing drug abuse, especially its impact on younger generations. “This event that is happening, in which you all are going to run, is not just a regular event. Instead, it is a public awareness campaign and a social movement. And for this wonderful initiative, for this vision, many people work hard. You all have made a very commendable effort in the direction of turning this important topic related to society and the future of the youth into a mass movement,” he said.

Dhami emphasised that efforts must extend beyond individual participation, urging inclusion of all youth and children. “We shouldn’t limit it to ourselves alone, and we need to connect every young person, every student, and every budding child of ours to this campaign. We have to deliver the message of saying no to drugs and yes to life to the youth. The hands of the youth should have held a book; a computer should have been with them,” he asserted.

He warned of the consequences of addiction, noting its potential to destroy young people's aspirations, disappoint families, and weaken society and the nation. “The youth should have been on the sports field and whichever work a youth is destined for, whatever work is meant for them, they should have worked hard for that work. And when drugs fall into their hands, not only do their own dreams shatter, but their family’s hopes also break. Not only that, but our society and our country both become weak because of such youth, because the youth are the future of our country, our society, and the coming generations,” Dhami said.

Highlighting the importance of education, skills, values, and physical health, he stated that the strength of a nation depends on the well-being of its younger generation. “A country can only be strong when its younger generation is strong in every way. They should have good skills and strong values. They should have a good education, a strong body, and be healthy. Only then will our country be healthy, our society will be healthy, and we will all find a new direction of progress. Friends, the fight against drugs cannot be won by the government or the police alone. It is our collective responsibility,” he added.