Governor Radhakrishnan flags off Nasha Mukt Bharat motorcycle rally at Nariman Point

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Saturday flagged off a motorcycle rally carrying the message of a drug-free India at Nariman Point in Mumbai. The rally is part of the National Unity Day 2026 programme. Police personnel from several states and Union Territories are taking part. They will ride to Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, where a national-level function is to be held on October 31.

The rally set off at 10 am from in front of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) building at Nariman Point, along Marine Drive. The initiative aims to promote national unity and to make people aware of the harm caused by narcotics.

About 233 police officers and personnel from 11 states and regions are taking part. They include representatives of Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry and Goa, along with personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The riders will reach Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, where they are to attend the National Unity Day function on October 31, 2026. The rally aims to promote unity among different regions and to carry the message of a drug-free India to people along the route.

More than 800 students from schools and colleges in Mumbai also attended the event. Their presence made the occasion instructive on national unity and on awareness against drugs.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor spoke of the importance of national unity and said it was necessary to work for a drug-free India. Police personnel, students and public representatives were present together. The Governor also praised the Maharashtra Police for its efficiency, dedication to duty and service to the public. After his speech he flagged off the rally and wished the riders well for the journey to Gujarat.

The initiative links the National Unity Day programme with a public awareness campaign on the dangers of drugs. The organisers say they want to raise greater awareness about drugs among people. They also want to convey that wider public participation is needed to tackle drug-related problems.

National Unity Day is observed every year on October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Patel was the country's first Deputy Prime Minister and a former Union Home Minister. He played a central role in integrating the princely states into the country after Independence and is regarded as a key figure in its political unification. He is also called the Iron Man of India. The annual observance underlines the importance of preserving national unity and the integrity of the country. The function at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat focuses on Patel's legacy and his contribution to the country's integration.

The motorcycle rally is part of the activities leading up to the national function. Police personnel from different parts of the country will travel with a message of unity and social responsibility.

Present at the flag-off were Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Milind Narvekar, Mumbai Suburban district Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, Maharashtra Director General of Police Sadanand Date, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra State Reserve Police Force, Rajkumar Vhatkar. Senior police officers and other dignitaries also attended.