Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on July 5 led the nationwide 80th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, urging citizens to dedicate at least one hour every day to physical activity and adopt healthier lifestyles.
The latest edition of the nationwide fitness campaign was organised in collaboration with the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations to commemorate the birth centenary of spiritual leader Sri Sathya Sai.
More than 9,000 people participated in the event in the national capital, taking part in a community cycling ride and run, along with Zumba and yoga sessions. Across the country, cycling events were also organised in association with the Art of Living Foundation, Heartfulness, and the Isha Foundation.
To encourage children’s participation, organisers set up a dedicated game zone featuring life-sized chess and ludo, as well as carrom, table tennis, futsal and badminton.
Addressing participants, Mandaviya stressed that a healthy population is fundamental to India’s aspiration of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
“For any country to be counted as a developed nation, the health of its citizens is essential. I urge all Indians to set aside at least one hour from their mobile screens and dedicate that time to their personal health by engaging in sports activities,” the Union Minister said.
Highlighting the growing concern over lifestyle-related health issues, he noted that one out of every four people in India is overweight, underscoring the need for citizens to prioritise physical fitness.
The programme began with Vedic invocations and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Mandaviya, along with Nimish Gulabrai Pandya, All India President of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), Deepti Mukherjee, Secretary (Corporate Affairs), and other dignitaries. Participants also took a Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge before the commencement of the community fitness ride.
Speaking on the occasion, Pandya said the collaboration between the Fit India Movement and the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation reflected a shared commitment to public welfare.
“The Fit India movement aims to make every Indian fit and healthy, while the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation believes in the philosophy of ‘Love All, Serve All’. This collaboration is an excellent amalgamation of both ideals,” he said.
Actor Naseer Abdullah, who attended the event, also appreciated the initiative and encouraged greater public participation in fitness activities.
Launched by Mandaviya in December 2024, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign has evolved into a nationwide movement promoting the message of “Fitness Ki Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz”, encouraging citizens of all age groups to devote at least 30 minutes every day to physical activity. According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, more than 30 lakh people have participated in the initiative at thousands of locations across the country.
The campaign is organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat, the Raahgiri Foundation, and MY Bharat. The cycling drives are held simultaneously across all states and Union Territories, including Sports Authority of India Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, Khelo India State Centres of Excellence and Khelo India Centres.
