Celebrating One Year of Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Puducherry

Anniversary Celebration in Puducherry

On Sunday, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, led the first anniversary of the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' initiative, which saw participation from over 1,500 individuals in Puducherry.

Mandaviya shared a summary of the initiative's progress over the past year, stating: "Over 2 lakh locations, 20 lakh participants. One Mission - Fit India. Celebrating 1 year of #SundaysOnCycle," in a post on social media. He highlighted the initiative's reach across 700+ districts.

A Vibrant Festival of Fitness

The scenic Rock Beach in Puducherry transformed into a lively fitness festival, with cyclists from diverse backgrounds, including students and members of NaMo Cycling Clubs, participating enthusiastically.

Notable athletes, including Padma Bhushan and Khel Ratna awardees PR Sreejesh and Sharath Kamal, joined the youth, motivating them to engage in sports and fitness activities.

The anniversary event featured a variety of fun activities such as Zumba, carrom, chess, mallakhamb, silambam, yoga, and rope skipping, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.

A Nationwide Movement

Mandaviya addressed the crowd, explaining how the initiative has grown from a small start to a nationwide movement. "Initially, we began with just five locations and around 500 participants. Now, we have over 10,000 locations with more than 10 lakh citizens participating every Sunday. This movement has become a cultural phenomenon and a solution to pollution," he stated.

He acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in promoting this initiative as a national effort against obesity.

Support from Dignitaries

Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan praised the initiative, emphasizing its significance for society. He shared insights about his village in Gujarat, where cycling is the primary mode of transport, highlighting how small lifestyle changes can significantly impact the environment.

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy commended the Fit India Movement for making fitness accessible, stating, "Cycling is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain health. A fit body is essential for achieving our life goals."

Nationwide Participation and New Initiatives

The event was simultaneously held in over 10,000 locations across the country, organized by the Sports Authority of India and Khelo India centres in various cities, with support from several banks.

Prominent athletes, including Arjuna Awardee archers Jyothi Surekha and Abhishek Verma, also participated in the celebrations.

The NaMo Fit India Cycling clubs and My Bharat volunteers played a crucial role in enhancing the Sundays on Cycle initiative.

Carbon Credit Incentivization Launch

During the event, the Fit India Mobile App's Carbon Credit Incentivization feature was launched, encouraging cycling enthusiasts. Three cyclists who earned the most carbon credits were honored: Bharatbhai Parmar, Shashikant Veerkar, and Govind Singh.

Mandaviya announced that cyclists from every state and union territory would be tracked through the app, with top performers receiving monthly incentives to promote cycling as a daily habit.

Recognizing Ambassadors and Influencers

The event also recognized Fit India Ambassadors and Influencers who have significantly contributed to the Sundays on Cycle initiative. Honorees included Nidhi Nigam, Aishwarya Raj, Shikha Gupta, Yukti Arya, mountaineer Divya Arul, and Tamil Nadu Cycling State champion Siva Senthil.

PR Sreejesh encapsulated the essence of the movement, stating, "Fitness is not solely about training for medals; it’s about cultivating discipline and balance in daily life. Cycling, when embraced collectively, fosters a healthier society and a stronger nation."

A Cultural Shift Towards Fitness

As the cyclists set off along Puducherry's picturesque coastline, the anniversary celebration underscored that Sundays on Cycle has evolved from a mere event into a cultural movement promoting fitness, sustainability, and community engagement throughout India.