Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nation-wide “Fit India Movement” on August 29 and appealed to every citizen to remain healthy and fit. The event was launched at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi at 10 am.
After a colourful presentation of India's indigenous martial art forms, dances and sports, PM Modi paid tribute to Dhyan Chand. He said, "On this day, a great sportsperson was born, Major Dhyan Chand. He amazed the world with his fitness, stamina, and hockey stick."
At the event, PM Modi said technology contributed to a sedentary lifestyle.
"Fitness has always been an integral part of our culture. But, there is indifference towards fitness issues now. A few decades back, a normal person would walk 8-10km in a day, do cycling or run," Modi said.
"But, with technology, physical activity has reduced. We walk less now and the same technology tells us that we are not walking enough," he added.
The launch was also attended by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and National Sports Awards 2019 winners among others.
"We will take this movement to new heights with the cooperation of my fellow Indians. I am so glad that this movement is being launched on the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, our hockey wizard," Rijiju said at the launch.
The prime minister congratulated the winners of the national sports awards and lauded India's sporting achievements.
"Be it boxing, badminton, tennis or any sport, our athletes are giving new wings to our aspirations. Their medals are not just a result of their hard work but also a reflection of a new India's confidence," he said.
“Fit India movement”, launched on the occasion of the National Sports Day, aims to encourage people to inculcate physical activity and sports in their everyday lives. PM Modi also administered a fitness pledge on the occasion.
The entire programme has been conceptualised by PM Modi, Union Secretary (sports) RS Julaniya told News18. According to him, PM Modi has also given simple tips that can make people healthy in their day-to-day lives.
On the launch of the programme, PM Modi launched a “Fitness Logo”. Additionally, he will launch a “Fitness Pledge” that reads, “I promise to myself that I will devote time for physical activity and sports every day and I will encourage my family members and neighbours to be physically fit and make India a fit nation,” the report added.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) asked higher educational institutes to make necessary arrangements to view PM Modi’s address on the launch of the movement. As a part of the fitness pledge, UGC has asked everyone to walk at least 10,000 steps and follow it up in their daily routine.
(With inputs from PTI)
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