Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 22: The Centre for Developmental Education (CDE), in collaboration with the Lalitaditya Sports Education and Health Organisation (LSEHO) hosted Kanyathon Jammu 2026 at the University of Jammu, drawing over 1,000 participants in a powerful show of unity against drug abuse and in support of girl-child empowerment.
The 15th edition of India’s long-running social impact run was flagged off by Shiv Kumar Sharma, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range. Addressing the gathering, Sharma highlighted the growing role of women in India’s security forces and encouraged young participants to lead with courage and determination. His remarks on the strength and leadership of women in uniform resonated strongly with the crowd.
Participants included students, women, police personnel, educators and citizens, all rallying behind the theme “Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs.” The event created a vibrant atmosphere across the campus as runners from diverse backgrounds joined in solidarity for a shared social cause.
Speaking on the occasion, Kalpana Padode, Secretary of CDE, described the Jammu edition as a milestone moment for the movement. She emphasized that the run symbolized more than participation, calling it a collective stand by the community to safeguard the future of its youth and empower daughters across the region.
Kanyathon Jammu 2026 forms part of a larger national campaign that has already been conducted this year in Bengaluru, Karjat-Mumbai and BITS Pilani, bringing the total participation in 2026 to over 14,000 runners. Over its 15-year journey, the initiative has impacted more than five lakh girls across India through education, awareness, and community programs.
The event was supported by Jammu & Kashmir Police, Excise & Taxation Department and University of Jammu, reflecting strong institutional collaboration in addressing social challenges such as drug abuse.
In addition to awareness, the initiative also promotes educational access through the Kanyathon Scholarship Programme at Vijaybhoomi University, which aims to sponsor undergraduate education for deserving girls from Jammu & Kashmir.
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