Mansukh Mandaviya Champions Drug-Free Youth at Cycle Rally in Varanasi

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led a vibrant cycle rally in Varanasi, promoting a drug-free youth and holistic well-being. The event, part of Fit India Sundays, featured over 500 cyclists and celebrated the achievements of Asian Games medallists. With a focus on fitness and mental health, participants took the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, committing to a healthier lifestyle. The rally aimed to inspire young people to reject substance abuse and embrace active living, reinforcing the message that fitness is a way of life.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 11, 2026, 23:47 IST

Mandaviya Leads 'Nasha Mukt Yuva' Cycle Rally

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, spearheaded the 94th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Varanasi. The event attracted over 500 cyclists and more than 1,000 participants, all united in promoting a drug-free youth and a healthier nation.

Promoting Holistic Well-being

Kicking off at 6:00 AM from Namo Ghat, the event featured a meditation session led by Nivedita Shreyans, Director of Youth Affairs at the Heartfulness Institute in Kanha Shantivanam, Hyderabad. This session emphasized the significance of mental health alongside physical fitness for a balanced lifestyle.

Following the meditation, attendees enjoyed a vibrant Kathak dance performance and an energetic Zumba session, blending cultural expression with community engagement to foster overall well-being.

'Nasha Mukt Bharat' Pledge

During his address, Mandaviya urged the youth to integrate fitness into their daily lives and adopt healthier lifestyle choices. He emphasized the need for a drug-free society, as he and the participants took the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, committing to combat substance abuse and nurture a drug-free generation.

Cycle Rally for a Drug-Free India

After the address, Mandaviya led a cycle rally from Namo Ghat to Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, spreading the message of 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' throughout Varanasi.

Asian Games Medallists Felicitated

The event also honored India's sporting achievements by recognizing distinguished medallists from the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Honorees included Prachi Chaudhary, bronze medallist in the women's 400m; Parul Chaudhary, who earned double bronze in the women's 3000m steeplechase and 5000m; Jay Kumar, silver medallist in the mixed 4x400m relay and bronze in the men's 4x400m relay; and Raj Kumar Pal, gold medallist with the Indian men's hockey team. Their presence underscored the values of discipline, perseverance, and commitment that are essential for sporting success, motivating young attendees to pursue fitness and healthy living.

Inspiring a Healthier Generation

The cycle rally transformed the fitness message into actionable steps, encouraging citizens to adopt active lifestyles and become advocates for a drug-free society. By connecting accomplished athletes with local communities, Fit India Sundays on Cycle offered young people a chance to engage with sporting role models and draw inspiration from their experiences.

This 94th edition reinforced the idea that fitness transcends mere physical activity; it embodies a lifestyle that promotes discipline, mental health, and responsible choices. Through cycling, cultural expression, meditation, and the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, the event called on the youth to reject substance abuse, embrace healthy habits, and actively contribute to building a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat.