New Delhi, 18 October (H.S.): The 95th edition of Fit India Sunday on Cycle was organised at Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) in Dwarka on Sunday to mark World Food Day, encouraging people to embrace physical fitness, balanced nutrition and a healthier lifestyle. Held under the theme “Pedal for Fitness, Ride for a Healthier World”, the event featured cycling, yoga and Garba Zumba sessions to promote holistic well-being.

The initiative was organised under the Sports Authority of India’s Fit India Movement, with support from the Centre for Public Health and Food Security and the Food Corporation of India. World Food Day is observed every year on October 16. This year’s global theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”, highlights the importance of collaborative efforts to improve food production, distribution and consumption through innovative ideas and solutions.

Several prominent personalities attended the event, including NSUT Sports Officer Dr Praveen Saroha; Fit India ambassador and fitness expert Manisha Singh; fitness trainer and health influencer Utsav Ghosh; Rakesh Saini, a ten-time world record holder popularly known as the “Iron Teeth Man of India”; and actor-producer Rohit Chaudhary.

NSUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Anand Srivastava described the university’s vehicle-free campus as an ideal setting for encouraging cycling and an active lifestyle. He said, “When students start cycling, it not only helps them stay fit but can also boost their energy levels and improve their ability to concentrate on their studies. At the same time, it does not harm the environment.”

Fit India ambassador Manisha Singh urged participants to spread awareness about fitness within their communities and become role models for others. She emphasised the importance of demonstrating healthy lifestyle choices in everyday life so that people around them would feel encouraged to follow suit.

Rakesh Saini said initiatives such as Fit India Sunday on Cycle provide an excellent platform for promoting sports and fitness activities. Encouraging young people to stay away from substance abuse, he urged them to channel their energy into developing their interests and talents. He added that dedication and hard work towards a goal could lead to significant achievements and bring pride to the country.

During the programme, Dr Praveen Saroha administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge to participants. They resolved to keep themselves, their families and their communities away from substance abuse and make every possible effort to help build a drug-free society.

Saroha said regular physical activity and fitness could play an important role in helping young people steer clear of substance abuse. He also appreciated efforts to collaborate with various institutions to extend the initiative’s message to a wider section of the youth.

As part of the event, participants completed a five-kilometre cycling route. The programme also featured a dedicated yoga zone, recreational sports activities and an energetic Garba Zumba session led by fitness expert Neetu Chawla. The Fitspire Game Zone offered participants another opportunity to engage with fitness through sports and entertainment.

The 95th edition of Fit India Sunday on Cycle underscored the importance of regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, food safety, responsible consumption and environmental protection. The initiative aims to make fitness an accessible and enjoyable part of everyday life while encouraging community participation in building a healthier society.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar