SRMIST Concludes ROM 2026 Physio Run After 700-Km Relay for Drug-Free India

SRM College of Physiotherapy at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has concluded the sixth edition of ROM 2026 – The Physio Run for Drug-Free India at its Kattankulathur campus. The initiative featured a reported 700-km relay run from Kanyakumari to Kattankulathur, bringing together 66 runners to promote fitness, community participation and awareness about substance abuse.

Aligned with the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the campaign aimed to encourage collective action towards a drug-free society. Organisers also conducted awareness activities along the route, with more than 4,000 school students reportedly participating and taking pledges in support of the initiative.

ROM 2026 Relay Run Begins in Kanyakumari

The relay was inaugurated in the presence of Pratap, IAS, Kanniyakumari District Collector, the Additional Superintendent of Police (ADSP), Nagercoil, and other government officials.

The route from Kanyakumari to the SRMIST campus in Kattankulathur served as a platform for extending the drug-prevention message to schools and local communities. Through student engagement and awareness activities, the initiative sought to encourage young people to make informed choices and recognise the importance of a healthy, substance-free lifestyle.

The participation of runners and students brought together physical endurance and social awareness, placing the campaign's emphasis on community involvement alongside fitness.

SRMIST Vice Chancellor Addresses the Closing Ceremony

The concluding Resonation Ceremony was held at SRMIST's Kattankulathur campus, with Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor of the institution, attending as the chief guest and delivering the presidential address.

Addressing the gathering, Muthamizhchelvan emphasised that the significance of the run extended beyond the physical challenge. He said its wider purpose was to communicate a meaningful social message and raise awareness among communities.

Prof. T. S. Veeragoudhaman, Dean of SRM College of Physiotherapy and organising chairman, highlighted the need to sustain the campaign's message beyond the conclusion of the event. He called on participants to carry forward the values of social responsibility and continue spreading awareness about a drug-free India.

ROM 2026 Ceremony Recognises Organisers and Participants

The closing programme included a welcome address by Dr. S. F. Mariyam Farzana, Associate Professor and organising secretary, followed by a torch-resonation address by Veeragoudhaman and special addresses by other dignitaries.

A visual presentation documenting the journey of ROM 2026 was also showcased. The programme featured the unveiling of the ROM 2026 book cover and the release of the ROM 2025 book, alongside recognition of the organising team and the initiative's continuing legacy.

The event was conducted under the leadership of Veeragoudhaman, with Dr. T. N. Suresh, Vice Principal and organising co-chairman, and Farzana serving in key organisational roles. Other members of the organising team contributed to the programme and its outreach activities.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Promotes Drug-Prevention Awareness

ROM 2026 was organised in line with the broader objectives of the Government of India's Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Launched on August 15, 2020, the national campaign focuses on raising awareness about substance use, encouraging community participation and strengthening efforts to prevent drug abuse. It has since been expanded to all districts of India.

The initiative places particular emphasis on educational institutions, university campuses, schools and youth engagement. Activities such as awareness drives and pledge campaigns are intended to encourage informed decision-making and strengthen public understanding of substance-related risks.

Through the Physio Run, SRM College of Physiotherapy sought to connect physical activity with a wider message of social responsibility. The conclusion of ROM 2026 marked the end of this year's relay while reinforcing the organisers' call for continued community engagement in promoting a drug-free India.