Fit India Sundays Promotes Drug-Free Youth in Varanasi

The 94th edition of Fit India Sundays in Varanasi, led by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, gathered over 1,000 participants to promote a drug-free youth and healthier lifestyle. The event featured meditation, cultural performances, and a cycling rally, encouraging young people to embrace fitness and reject substance abuse. Notable athletes from the upcoming Asian Games were honored, inspiring attendees to pursue their fitness journeys. This initiative highlights the importance of mental well-being alongside physical health, reinforcing the message that fitness is a way of life.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 12, 2026, 00:09 IST

Promoting Health and Wellness in Varanasi

On October 11, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, spearheaded the 94th Fit India Sundays event in Varanasi, attracting over 500 cyclists and more than 1,000 participants. The initiative aimed to advocate for a drug-free youth and a healthier nation.

Themed 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat', the event featured notable athletes from the upcoming 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, including Prachi Chaudhary, Parul Chaudhary, Jay Kumar, and Raj Kumar Pal, as reported by the Sports Ministry.

Starting at 6:00 AM from Namo Ghat, the event included a meditation session led by Nivedita Shreyans, Director of Youth Affairs at the Heartfulness Institute in Hyderabad, emphasizing the significance of mental health alongside physical fitness.

A lively Kathak dance performance and an energetic Zumba session followed, blending cultural expression with community engagement to foster overall well-being.

During his address, Mandaviya encouraged the youth to integrate fitness into their daily lives and make healthier lifestyle choices. He, along with the participants, took the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, committing to combat substance abuse and nurture a drug-free generation.

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

The event also honored India's sporting achievements by recognizing distinguished medallists from the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Honorees included Prachi Chaudhary, who won bronze in the women's 400m; Parul Chaudhary, a double bronze medallist in the women's 3000m steeplechase and 5000m; Jay Kumar, who secured silver in the mixed 4x400m relay and bronze in the men's 4x400m relay; and Raj Kumar Pal, who was part of the gold-winning Indian men's hockey team.

The presence of these athletes underscored the values of discipline, perseverance, and dedication that are essential for sporting success, motivating young attendees to pursue fitness and healthy living.

The cycle rally transformed the concept of fitness into a collective movement, urging 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 individuals a chance to engage with their sporting heroes and draw inspiration from their experiences.

This 94th edition reinforced the idea that fitness encompasses more than just physical activity; it embodies a lifestyle that encourages discipline, mental health, and responsible choices.

Through a combination of cycling, cultural activities, meditation, and the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, the event urged the youth to reject substance abuse, embrace healthy habits, and actively contribute to creating a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat.