​​​​​​​Hyderabad, November 11: In an inspiring initiative to raise awareness about drug abuse among young people, 62-year-old Vijayalakshmi from Andhra Pradesh has embarked on an ambitious 3,000-kilometre cycling expedition from Bheemavaram to New Delhi under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Vijayalakshmi began her journey on October 2 and is expected to reach the national capital on December 10. She has set herself the target of covering the entire distance in 50 days and has already travelled approximately 800 kilometres.

The Telangana State Eagle Force accorded her a warm welcome and lauded her determination and commitment to the nationwide campaign against drug abuse.

Vijayalakshmi said she had undertaken the journey not as a professional cyclist but as a mission to motivate parents, students and the wider community to work towards building a drug-free society.

She stressed that every parent, particularly mothers, must take responsibility for protecting children from the growing threat of substance abuse.

"I am organising the Nasha Mukt Bharat programme from Bheemavaram to New Delhi, covering 3,000 kilometres in 50 days. I am not a cyclist, but I believe we all have to take responsibility. Every mother must think about her children. I feel sad when I see young people falling into the trap of drugs, and we must play an active role in eliminating this menace," she said.

Vijayalakshmi said her campaign primarily focused on reaching out to students and motivating them to become ambassadors of the anti-drug movement. She has set a target of reaching one lakh children and has already visited around 40 colleges during her awareness drive.

She expressed happiness that several students had responded positively to her initiative and pledged to become "anti-drug soldiers". She urged young people to stay away from narcotics and actively contribute to creating drug-free communities and states.

As part of the expedition, she is also visiting areas affected by drug abuse and interacting with police officials, students and local communities to highlight the harmful consequences of substance consumption.

She further appealed to women and parents to take an active role in educating children about the dangers of drugs and guiding them towards a healthy and responsible lifestyle.

Sitharam, Superintendent of Police of the Telangana State Eagle Force, appreciated Vijayalakshmi's initiative and called upon citizens to extend their support to the campaign.

He said her cycling expedition from Bheemavaram to New Delhi was aimed at spreading awareness among young people about the serious health and social consequences of drug consumption.

"Everyone must participate in this mission to make India a Nasha Mukt Bharat. We appreciate Vijayalakshmi's courage and determination and wish her good health and success in completing the journey," he said.

He also emphasised the need for collective efforts by parents, educational institutions, police personnel and society at large to protect the younger generation from drug addiction.