JULY 20: Over 3,000 enthusiastic participants joined Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for the 32nd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting fitness and a drug-free lifestyle among India’s youth.
In a spirited address, Dr. Mandaviya urged young citizens to embrace physical activity and shun substance abuse, emphasizing that “a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, and a healthy mind propels a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).” The Minister called the cycling movement a jan andolan (mass movement), highlighting its rapid expansion to over 6,000 locations with participation from leading educational boards and institutions across India.
The event was conducted in partnership with CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, CISCE, DAV institutions, and other major educational bodies. Students, teachers, and fitness enthusiasts cycled through the scenic BHU campus, passing landmarks like Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Vishwanath Temple, and IIT Chauraha, before concluding at the Amphitheatre Ground.
Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, praised the youth’s growing awareness of the perils of drug abuse, stating, “We’ve sent a strong message today—only a fit and focused youth can build a prosperous nation.”
The event also featured yoga, meditation, and Zumba sessions, making it a holistic celebration of health and wellness. Other prominent attendees included Uttar Pradesh Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav, local MLAs, and senior officials from the Sports Authority of India.
Meanwhile, the Delhi chapter of the campaign also saw tremendous participation, with over 1,000 students from 300 schools joining the cycling initiative. International cyclists like Esow Alben and Mayuri Lute motivated students, sharing their personal stories and advocating for fitness.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Raahgiri Foundation, and other partners, Fit India Sundays on Cycle continues to gain momentum nationwide, encouraging youth to lead healthier, addiction-free lives.
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