DW BUREAU / Chandigarh Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the state government had started several motivational programmes during the ongoing celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to help people suffering from depression especially during the the COVID-19 pandemic. It is really commendable that this time the theme of world's longest Relay Run is about fighting depression, said Sh.Manohar Lal while flagging off the participants of the longest Relay Run organized against depression from Sant Kabir Kutir Niwas in Chandigarh today. Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. D.S. Dhesi, Advocate General, Sh. B L Mahajan and other dignitaries were present on this occasion. The Chief Minister said that depression certainly has a bad effect on the lives of the people and to fight this, one should participate in cultural activities, programmes and sports along with doing physical exercise. Events like relay run are one of the best ways to fight depression. Parents should also ensure maximum participation of thier children, if they are suffering this mental issue, added Manohar Lal. The Chief Minister said that boys, girls and differently-abled participants are participating in this 8 thousand kilometers long relay run which will cover many states including Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and will be completed in Delhi on December 16. He extended best wishes to the participants of this relay run organized by Himalayan Knights Adventure Sports Association and announced to give an amount of Rs.5 lakh from his discretionary fund. (editor@dailyworld.in)