Police personnel and students welcome riders with traditional tutari, dhol-tasha beats and flower showers; rally spreads the message of ‘Fight Against Drugs’
Sindhudurg, October 2026: As part of the preparations for the National Unity Parade scheduled to be held on October 31, 2026, at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister and the Iron Man of India, a national motorcycle rally organised by police forces from various states and Union Territories arrived at Bandha in Sindhudurg district.
The rally was welcomed in the presence of Maharashtra’s Minister for Fisheries and Ports Development and Sindhudurg Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane. Police personnel and students greeted the participating police officers and riders enthusiastically with traditional tutari and dhol-tasha performances, accompanied by showers of flowers.
Police officers, personnel and riders from Lakshadweep, Kerala, Karnataka and Goa are participating in the rally. Along with strengthening the spirit of national integration, the rally aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of narcotics through the slogan ‘Fight Against Drugs’ and spread the message of a drug-free India among the public.
At the welcome ceremony in Bandha, Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane extended a warm welcome on behalf of Sindhudurg district to all police officers, personnel and riders arriving from Lakshadweep, Kerala, Karnataka and Goa.
He said that the fight against drugs was the need of the hour and that the younger generation must take the issue seriously. He appealed to everyone to support the campaign being undertaken with the objective of making the country drug-free.
Rane also expressed confidence that the rally would strengthen public awareness against narcotics at the district, state and national levels. He congratulated the police officers participating in the rally and those who had supported its organisation, and wished all the riders success in their onward journey. Dignitaries also flagged off the rally with a green flag as it began the next leg of its journey through Maharashtra.
Through the rally, the message against drug abuse was conveyed at several locations across the district, including Kudal High School, Pushpasen Dnyanpeeth, Humarmala and the district headquarters area. The participation of students helped take the message to the younger generation.
Drug addiction has serious consequences for individuals, families and society. The initiative highlighted the importance of public awareness and community participation in keeping young people away from the grip of substance abuse.
Organised on the occasion of National Unity Day, the rally has helped renew awareness of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of national integration while also carrying the message of the fight against narcotics to a wider audience.
Among those present on the occasion were Zilla Parishad President Pramod Kamat, District Collector Trupti Dhodmise, Superintendent of Police Dr Mohan Dahikar, Additional Superintendent of Police Nayomi Satam, Vice-President Dada Sail and District Bank Chairman Manish Dalvi, along with police officers and personnel, students and local residents.
