New Delhi, 05 July (H.S.):

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday led the 80th edition of the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' campaign from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. He urged people to reduce their screen time and dedicate at least one hour every day to sports and physical activities for better health and well-being.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of spiritual leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba. More than 9,000 people in the national capital enthusiastically participated in Zumba and yoga sessions, along with community runs and cycling events. Cycling drives were also organised with the support of the Art of Living, Heartfulness and Isha Foundation.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya said fitness is essential for every citizen. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the goal of building a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, and achieving that vision requires a healthy and physically fit population. He said that 'Sundays on Cycle' is an integral part of the Prime Minister's Fit India Movement and encouraged people to adopt activities such as running and cycling to keep their hearts and bodies healthy.

The minister inaugurated the community fitness ride with Vedic chants and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. He was joined by Nimish Gulabrai Pandya, All India President of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation; Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao; Corporate Affairs Secretary Deepti Mukherjee; and other dignitaries. Before the ride began, participants also took a public pledge in support of the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' campaign.

Speaking on the occasion, Nimish Pandya said the objective of the Fit India Movement is to ensure that every Indian remains healthy and physically fit, while the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation is guided by the principle of Love All, Serve All. He said the collaboration between the two organisations for the 80th edition of 'Sundays on Cycle' represents a meaningful partnership in promoting public health and social values.

Pandya also encouraged young people to cultivate healthy habits, saying that a healthy body nurtures a healthy mind and spirit. He stressed that caring for one's physical well-being is fundamental to India's cultural ethos and essential for building a healthier nation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar