Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of National
Sports Day launched the ‘Fit India Movement’ urging the nation to make fitness
a daily part of their routine. This movement is initiated by the government to
make people aware of the essentiality of inculcating physical activity and
sports in their lives.
Cultural
Event and Pledge
The inaugural event of the movement carved its path at the
Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, New Delhi. The event started with a cultural the show followed by the prime minister’s speech welcoming everyone to launch the
movement and administering a pledge to the people of the country.
"There is no elevator to success, you have to take the
stairs," said PM Modi. With the support of many fitness enthusiasts, PM
Modi encouraged people to support the movement similar to the ‘Swachh Bharat’
Campaign. "Whether it is the boardroom or Bollywood, whoever is fit, the
sky is the limit. If the body is fit, the mind is a hit," he said.
Prior Announcement on
Mann Ki Baat
The Prime Minister announced the launch of the movement while
addressing on a radio channel ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on August 25. He urged people to
be fitness conscious and wished to see their listeners fit and healthy
directing the fixed goals of the programme.
Arrangements
The University Grants Commission asked all the affiliated
higher educational institutions to arrange live viewing of the programme launch
by the students and staff members. Institutes have been instructed to plot and
execute fitness plans incorporating sports and physical activities into their
daily routine.
People present at the
launch
Minister of State (Independent Charge) Youth Affairs &
Sports, Kiran Rijiju were present at the launch in Delhi. Former Indian
cricketer Gautam Gambhir too marked his attendance at the launch of the
movement in Delhi in support along with a Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.
Importance of this
campaign
PM Modi also mentioned that fitness has been vital in our
scriptures and it is a necessity for a healthy lifestyle. Talking about the
improvement in the sports infrastructure in the country, Narendra Modi urged
people to embrace sports. Being a well-known supporter of Yoga, PM Modi once
mentioned in a Google hangout that he is equally energetic from morning till night
due to yoga and deep breathing.
PM Modi also mentioned that performing a physical activity
contributes to being successful. "If you
are in any profession, you have to bring efficiency in your profession and then
mental and physical fitness is important. Whether it is Boardroom or Bollywood,
whoever is fit touches the sky," said PM Modi.
Committee Formation
Government officials have formed a committee including 28 members from Indian Olympic Association (IOA), national sports federation, private bodies and fitness promoters who would be advising the government on the campaign. This committee is under the chairmanship of sports minister Kiren Rijiju including 12 members from the government. Seven NSF heads of boxing, football, athletics and cycling are also a part of this formation.