Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday led a 5.5-km cycle rally in Varanasi as part of the 94th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, encouraging young people to adopt healthy lifestyles and work towards a drug-free society.
Held under the theme “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat”, the event brought together over 500 cyclists and more than 1,000 participants, including medallists from the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The programme began at 6 am at Namo Ghat with a meditation session led by Nivedita Shreyans, Director of Youth Affairs at the Heartfulness Institute, Kanha Shantivanam, Hyderabad. The session highlighted the importance of mental well-being alongside physical fitness.
A Kathak performance and a Zumba session followed, combining cultural expression, exercise and community participation.
Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya urged young people to make fitness part of their daily routine and embrace healthy lifestyle choices. He joined participants in taking the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, reaffirming their commitment to combating substance abuse.
The minister then led the cycle rally from Namo Ghat to Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, carrying the campaign’s message through the streets of Varanasi.
The event also felicitated four Asian Games medallists. Prachi Chaudhary was recognised for her bronze medal in the women’s 400 metres, while Parul Chaudhary was honoured for bronze medals in the women’s 3,000-metre steeplechase and 5,000 metres.
Jay Kumar was felicitated for winning silver in the mixed 4×400-metre relay and bronze in the men’s 4×400-metre relay. Raj Kumar Pal was honoured for his gold medal as a member of the Indian men’s hockey team.
Their participation gave young people an opportunity to engage with sporting role models and learn from the discipline, perseverance and commitment behind their achievements.
Combining cycling, meditation, cultural activities and the anti-drug pledge, the programme encouraged participants to view fitness as a way of life encompassing physical health, mental well-being and responsible choices. It called on young people to reject substance abuse, adopt healthy habits and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
