Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh: The “Abhyudayam Cycle Yatra – Pedal for a Drug-Free Future”, being conducted from Payakaraopeta to Ichapuram, continues to generate widespread public awareness and participation in the fight against marijuana and narcotics. The initiative, spearheaded by the Police Department, aims to build a society free from intoxicating substances under the message “Say No to Drugs – Let’s Prevent Illegal Trafficking of Marijuana.”
Launched in the Visakhapatnam Range by Range DIG Sri Gopinath Jetti, IPS, the cycle rally has successfully traversed Vizianagaram and Parvathipuram Manyam districts and reached Srikakulam town, receiving an enthusiastic response from all sections of society. On the second day of its entry into Srikakulam district, the rally was accorded a warm welcome at Ramalakshman Junction by the chief guest, Range DIG Sri Gopinath Jetti, along with District Collector Sri Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar, District SP Sri K.V. Maheshwara Reddy, Joint Collector Sri Farman Ahmed Khan, and elected representatives including Srikakulam MLA Sri Gondu Shankar, Amadalavalasa MLA Sri Kuna Ravikumar, and Narasannapeta MLA Sri Baggu Ramanamurthy.
The dignitaries flagged off the rally, which proceeded through Suryamahal, G.T. Road, Seven Road Junction, and culminated at the NTR Municipal Ground, where a large-scale public awareness meeting was organized. A special photo exhibition stall set up by various departments was inaugurated, while student flash mobs, folk dances, skits, and cultural performances highlighting the ill effects of drug abuse drew widespread appreciation.
Addressing the gathering, Range DIG Sri Gopinath Jetti, IPS, stated that a healthy and developed society is possible only through responsible citizens. He highlighted that under the Sankalpam Mission and Community Outreach Program, more than 21,206 awareness programmes have been conducted across the range in the past year, benefiting over 12.52 lakh people across 16,321 villages and towns. He noted that awareness activities were held in 6,459 educational institutions, reaching over 5.26 lakh students, along with the distribution of pamphlets, installation of drop boxes, and formation of 4,094 Eagle Clubs. He emphasized that while the government is taking strong measures, public cooperation is vital to completely eradicate drugs.
District Collector Sri Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar said the Abhyudayam Cycle Yatra, launched for the first time in North Andhra as per the directions of the Hon’ble Chief Minister and DGP, is receiving an overwhelming response. He informed that counseling support through psychologists is being provided in colleges and that the concluding programme of the yatra will be held on December 29 at Ichapuram as a mega awareness event.
District SP Sri K.V. Maheshwara Reddy reiterated that the primary objective of the rally is to educate the public, especially youth, about the dangers of drug abuse and to build a drug-free state. He assured that information related to drugs can be shared confidentially through 1972, 112, or local police stations.
Public representatives echoed similar sentiments, calling upon youth to stay away from drugs and focus on education, skills, and a bright future. A particularly moving moment was when a mother shared her personal pain caused by her son’s drug addiction and expressed gratitude to the Srikakulam District Police for their guidance and support.
The programme concluded with the presentation of mementos by the Range DIG to various departments, educational institutions, students, artists, volunteers, and social media influencers who contributed to the success of the event. Senior officials, including Additional SP Sri P. Srinivasa Rao, DSPs Vivekananda and Lakshmana Rao, Excise Superintendent Sri C.H. Tirupati Naidu, along with public representatives and citizens, participated in large numbers.
The Abhyudayam Cycle Yatra stands as a powerful example of proactive, people-centric policing, reaffirming the Andhra Pradesh Police’s unwavering commitment to protecting youth and steering society towards a safer, drug-free future.
