Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya leads FIT INDIA Cyclothon 'Cycling by the Sea' in Mumbai
Mumbai, June 17
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building a fitter, healthier and more active nation through the Fit India Movement, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, on Wednesday led the FIT INDIA Cyclothon - "Cycling by the Sea" at the Worli Coastal Cycle Track in Mumbai.
The event brought together fitness enthusiasts, cyclists, youth and citizens from all walks of life, reaffirming the growing public commitment towards fitness and healthy living, according to a press release.
https://x.com/mansukhmandviya/status/2067115038633238826?s=46
Mandaviya flagged off the cyclothon and joined participants in the ride, outlining the Government's commitment to making fitness a people's movement and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat through active and healthy lifestyles.
Several distinguished personalities participated in the event, including film actors Jackie Shroff, Taha Shah Badussha and Aishwarya Raj Bhakuni, along with Olympic wrestler and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Narsing Yadav.
Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently advocated fitness as a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat. The Fit India Movement is inspiring citizens across the country to adopt a healthier lifestyle and make fitness an integral part of their daily routine."
Highlighting the broader significance of cycling, the Minister emphasised the need to adopt sustainable modes of transportation.
"In light of the fuel supply concerns arising from the situation in West Asia, there is a need to promote cycling as a sustainable and energy-efficient mode of transportation. Cycling is not only beneficial for personal health but also contributes to environmental sustainability and energy conservation," he said.
Mandaviya further noted that the Fit India Movement has witnessed enthusiastic participation from lakhs of citizens over the past two years, reflecting a growing culture of fitness across the country.
Describing cycling as a powerful fitness mantra, he said it offers multiple benefits by improving physical health, mental well-being and overall quality of life.
Calling fitness a key pillar of national development, the Minister said, "A fit citizen contributes to a healthy society, and a healthy society is the foundation of a prosperous nation. Fitness is therefore an important pathway towards building a developed India."
The FIT INDIA Cyclothon forms part of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports' ongoing efforts to encourage active lifestyles and create widespread awareness about the importance of regular physical activity.
Through such initiatives, the Government aims to strengthen the culture of fitness and public participation envisioned under the Fit India Movement and further accelerate the journey towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's wonderful to see fitness becoming a priority. But I hope the government also focuses on building more safe cycling lanes in our cities. Many roads in Mumbai are still not cycle-friendly. A little infrastructure can go a long way in making cycling a daily habit for everyone. Otherwise, such events are just photo ops. 🤔
I moved to Mumbai recently from the US, and I'm really impressed by initiatives like this. The energy of the participants and the scenic coastal route must have made it unforgettable. It's great to see public figures like Jackie Shroff and Narsing Yadav joining. This is the kind of community spirit that makes a city vibrant.
Finally, some good news about fitness! I've been cycling to work in Pune for a year now, and it's saved me money on fuel and kept me fit. The minister's point about reducing fuel dependency is spot-on. But we need more awareness about cycling safety. Most drivers don't respect cyclists. Let's hope this movement grows beyond events. 🚲
"A fit citizen contributes to a healthy society" – beautifully said! I'm from Canada but have been living in Delhi for work, and I've seen how the Fit India Movement has encouraged my colleagues to start morning walks and yoga. Events like this bring people together. I wish there were more free public cycling tracks in our crowded cities.
Big fan of the Fit India Movement! But I feel such events should be held more frequently, maybe monthly, to keep the momentum alive. Also, linking fitness to national development is clever, but let's
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