Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Joins And Flags Off Anti-Drug Awareness Run At Chennai's Marina Beach; Calls For Collective Fight
· Free Press Journal

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay participated in and flagged off an anti-drug awareness run at Chennai’s iconic Marina Beach on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, urging citizens to unite in the fight against drug abuse and work towards building a healthier society. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, youth groups, athletes, social organisations, and government officials, all coming together to spread awareness about the dangers of narcotics.
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#CMVijay ran 6 km in the Anti Drug Marathon..⭐ The man is exploring everything, from bus rides to marathons, that he couldn't do when he was a star..pic.twitter.com/JLzKp27fkC
— Laxmi Kanth (@iammoviebuff007) June 26, 2026
CM Vijay participated in anti-drug awareness
Addressing the gathering before the marathon, the Chief Minister stressed that drug addiction poses a serious threat to individuals, families, and communities. He highlighted the need for collective action involving the government, educational institutions, parents, and civil society to prevent the spread of substance abuse among young people.
VIDEO | Chennai: Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay (@TVKVijayHQ) flags off ‘Start Run, Stop Drugs’ awareness run on International Day against Drug Abuse.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 26, 2026
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/2CYdebt6Hm
CM Vijay wrote the slogan "Sporta Edu, Drugs Vidu"
Dressed in "Start Run, Stop Drugs" T-shirt, black track pant, sneakers and sunglasses, the Chief Minister ran on the street and was joined by larger participants, many wearing a "Start Run, Stop Drugs" T-shirt. He actively ran a six km marathon with thousands of participants. Before the run began, Vijay wrote the slogan "Sporta Edu, Drugs Vidu" (Take up sports and give up drugs) on an awareness board.
மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதலமைச்சர் திரு. ச. ஜோசப் விஜய் அவர்கள் சர்வதேச போதைப்பொருள் எதிர்ப்பு தினத்தை முன்னிட்டு ஸ்டார்ட் Run ஸ்டாப் Drugs போதைப்பொருள் எதிர்ப்பு ஓட்டத்தை தொடங்கி வைத்தார்.#CMJosephVijay pic.twitter.com/ghqYFybNfZ
— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) June 26, 2026
CM issued strong call to action
The 52-year-old Vijay completed the entire six km run continuously at Chennai's Marina Beach, and became first ever sitting Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to run such a distance with the public for a social cause. Marking International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, he issued a strong call to action and urged citizens and residents to unite in creating drug-free, secure and healthy state.
'Drug-Free Mumbai' Campaign Launched On Maharashtra Day; 5 Lakh Citizens To Take Pledge On June 25 Under CM Devendra Fadnavis & Mangal Prabhat Lodha#CMVijay's oath against Drugs along with the Public:
— AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) June 26, 2026
"I know all the bad consequences against Drugs. I won't get additied into Drugs. I will protect my family and friend against the Drugs. I will provide contribution, to heal the people who are addicted by drugs. I will help… pic.twitter.com/EnryVhQa2j
Before commencing the event, the CM and other government administrations present there took a pledge in which the participants took a solemn oath to abstain from drugs, and to spread awareness about harmful effect of it to friends and families. Similar anti-drugs marathons were also organised in several districts of Tamil Nadu. It was organised by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT).
On this #WorldDrugDay, we - the international community, Member States, communities and individuals - are all called upon to confront the world drug problem.
— Monica Juma (@Monica_Juma_) June 26, 2026
Today, the illicit drug trade persists, and its imprint is visible everywhere:
In the harm it causes, the violence it… pic.twitter.com/B1wtySTMQD
About International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed every year on June 26. The significant day was established by the United Nations in 1987 with the aim of strengthening global actions and cooperation in creating a society free from the use of drugs. The campaign is coordinated globally by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC.