In a powerful show of support for youth fitness and the nationwide drug de-addiction movement, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, led the 32nd edition of ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus in Varanasi. The event witnessed the participation of over 3,000 individuals, as part of the ‘Nasha-Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’ campaign. Dr. Mandaviya urged the youth to embrace cycling and an active lifestyle, emphasizing that a healthy body and mind are essential for building a developed India. Highlighting the importance of fitness in shaping a drug-free nation, he stated that addiction among youth undermines the vision of Viksit Bharat envisioned by the Prime Minister. The cycling drive was supported by leading educational institutions including CBSE, KVS, CISCE, DAV, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, and Bal Bharati Public School, and took place simultaneously at over 6,000 locations nationwide, turning into a true Jan Andolan (mass movement).
Dr. Mandaviya was joined by MoS Youth Affairs & Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, UP Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav, and several elected representatives and senior officials. The participants cycled through notable BHU landmarks like Malviya Bhawan, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, and Vishwanath Temple, culminating at the Amphitheatre Ground. The event also featured yoga, Zumba, and meditation sessions, making it a holistic celebration of fitness. Addressing the media, Smt. Khadse applauded the overwhelming youth participation and reiterated that a healthy youth population is key to national prosperity and freedom from substance abuse.
Simultaneously, Delhi’s edition of the campaign witnessed the participation of over 1,000 students from 300+ schools, joined by celebrated cyclists Esow Alben, Mayuri Lute, and Sushikala Agashe, who encouraged students to take pride in fitness. Events also included rope skipping, badminton, traditional board games, and fitness zones for school children. The initiative is conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with Cycling Federation of India, Raahgiri Foundation, My Bikes, MY Bharat, and other partners, with simultaneous events held in state capitals, SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, and Khelo India centres across India. The campaign continues to grow as a grassroots movement, combining fun, fitness, and social responsibility to drive India towards a drug-free future.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
