Fit India Sundays: A Nationwide Cycling Movement for Clean Air
A Call for Fitness and Environmental Awareness
The 46th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, dubbed 'Pedal for Clean Air', emerged as a significant initiative promoting fitness and environmental consciousness. Nearly 500 individuals cycled through New Delhi, with thousands more participating from over 10,000 locations nationwide. This event was organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Yogasana Bharat, and MY Bharat, with support from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The overarching message was clear: 'Clean Air, Fit Body' should be a collective goal for India.
Delhi's Cycling Rally
At the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi, around 500 participants, including athletes, students, and fitness enthusiasts, took part in the cycling rally. Notable attendees included gymnasts Sneha Tariyal, an Asian Championships medalist, and Priyanshu Nath Thakur, a sub-junior national gold medalist, along with Olympian gymnastics coach Lakhan Sharma.
CSE Director-General Sunita Narain, present at the event, highlighted the vital link between physical fitness and environmental health. She stated, 'Our air must be clean, which in turn will enhance our health. The initiatives by the Sports Ministry and SAI align perfectly with environmental cleanliness. Healthy lungs depend on clean air, and cycling is a crucial method to fight pollution.'
Young gymnast Priyanshu Nath Thakur, aged 15, echoed this sentiment, saying, 'We all seek fresh air. Cycling keeps our body and mind robust.'
A Nationwide Movement for Fitness
Fit India Sundays on Cycle events were simultaneously held across the country, including locations such as SAI STC Kargil, SAI Lucknow, SAI Rohtak, STC Mastuana Sahib, STC Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), STC Golaghat, NCOE Jagatpur, STC Cuttack, and SAI Guwahati.
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Transforming into a 'Jan Andolan'
The growing influence of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was acknowledged in the 117th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat, where he praised the unity of citizens from diverse backgrounds celebrating health and joy through fitness every Sunday.
The movement is supported weekly by over 3,500 NaMo Fit India Cycling Clubs, which form the backbone of this citizen-led fitness initiative, ensuring thousands participate in cycling and health celebrations every Sunday.
Under the leadership of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, this initiative has transformed into a true Jan Andolan for fitness, attracting new groups and communities each week. Participants include Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), doctors, teachers, government employees, schoolchildren, MPs, lawyers, healthcare workers, and residents' welfare associations. This diverse participation has helped the campaign reach every corner of the country, turning local streets and parks into vibrant spaces of energy and camaraderie.