Tamil Nadu CM Vijay flags off anti-drug marathon, runs to spread awareness

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

The View From India Looking at World Affairs from the Indian perspective.

First Day First Show News and reviews from the world of cinema and streaming.

Today's Cache Your download of the top 5 technology stories of the day.

Data Point Decoding the headlines with facts, figures, and numbers

Health Matters Ramya Kannan writes to you on getting to good health, and staying there

The Hindu On Books Books of the week, reviews, excerpts, new titles and features.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay flags off ‘Anti Drug Run 2026’ at Kamarajar Salai in Chennai on June 26, 2026 | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, on Friday (June 26, 2026), flagged off and ran in a marathon organised by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) to create awareness against the use of drugs and narcotic substances.

Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Vijay administered a pledge in which the participants of the ‘Anti Drug Run 2026’ took a solemn oath to abstain from drugs, educate their families and friends about the harmful effects of drug addiction, and contribute their efforts towards helping those who are struggling with substance abuse to recover.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay participates in the marathon organised on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, in Chennai on Friday | Photo Credit: X/@CMOTamilnadu

Earlier, the Chief Minister signed on the commitment board saying ‘Sports-ah edu, drugs-ah vidu’ (Take up sports, give up drugs).

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

Emphasising 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.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay after signing ‘Sports-ah edu, drugs-ah vidu’ on a board during an event held to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Chennai on June 26, 2026 | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

“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