Cycling will help India progress towards becoming developed nation: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
Thiruvananthpuram, June 23
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, said that cycling has a significant role to play in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation. He was addressing participants while taking part in the Cycling by the Sea event, organised by the Sports Authority of India in Thiruvananthapuram as part of the Fit India Movement.
The cycling rally was held from Chacka ITI to Shanghumukham Beach. Speaking on the occasion, Mansukh Mandaviya said that a healthy nation can only be built through healthy citizens and described cycling as the key to a healthy lifestyle.
He pointed out that, besides promoting good health, cycling also helps reduce pollution, ease traffic congestion and conserve fuel. Urging people to make cycling a regular habit, the Minister also highlighted the Sundays on Cycle initiative under the Fit India Movement.
Mandaviya noted that the Sundays on Cycle programme, which began at just 200 locations, has now expanded to 10,000 locations, with nearly 2,00,000 people participating. He also congratulated the children and youth who have been actively taking part in the initiative.
Union Minister joined the cycling rally from Chacka ITI to Shanghumukham Beach alongside women's groups comprising ASHA workers and Kudumbashree members, athletes from the Sports Authority of India, and cycling enthusiasts. Thiruvananthapuram Mayor VV Rajesh accompanied the Minister during the event.
The rally, which saw the participation of around 200 people, was flagged off at Chacka by MLA V. Muraleedharan and Arjuna Award winner P. R. Sreejesh. A Zumba session for participants was also conducted ahead of the rally.
The initiative was organised to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Fit India Movement, with the objective of encouraging people to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle through cycling and other physical fitness activities.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Loved seeing the ASHA workers and Kudumbashree members participating! Women's involvement is crucial for any mass movement. In Kerala, we already see many women cycling for their daily chores. But safety at night is a concern. Hope the government also installs proper streetlights and CCTV along these cycling routes.
Cycling is indeed the way forward for a healthier India. I've been cycling from Churchgate to Marine Drive every Sunday as part of the Fit India movement. It's refreshing! But I wish more corporates encouraged employees to cycle to work by providing shower facilities and secure parking. That would really boost participation across cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. 🚴♂️
Interesting perspective from the Minister. I cycle in Bangalore for my daily commute and it's a lifesaver given the traffic. However, the real challenge is the lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure. We need more than just awareness campaigns—we need proper investment in cycle tracks and bike-sharing systems like in Europe. Empty rhetoric won't build a developed nation.
As an athlete, I fully support this initiative. Fitness is not just about competitive sports but about building a culture of active lifestyle among every citizen. The Zumba session before the rally was great—it adds a fun element! The 200 participants today may seem small, but if every district starts such events, we can truly build a healthier, developed India. 🇮🇳
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.