National Sports Day ceremony marks the beginning of ‘Fit India Movement” initiated by PM
The Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi has launched an initiative, ‘Fit India Movement’, today, i.e., Thursday, August 29, 2019, where he has appealed to every citizen to stay fit and live a healthy life.
The announcement was made on the occasion of National Sports Day which marks the birth anniversary of Former legendary hockey player – Major Dhyan Chand Singh. A glittering ceremony was organised at India Gandhi National Stadium, New Delhi where PM Modi made the announcement. The ceremony started with a grand show of India’s indigenous martial art forms, dances and sports.
Post this show, Modi paid tribute to Major Dhyan Chand. “On this day, a great sportsperson was born, Major Dhyan Chand. He amazed the world with his fitness, stamina, and hockey stick,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Modi said, “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 8-10 kms. in a day, do cycling or run. But with technology, physical activity has reduced. We walk less now, and the same technology tells us that we are not walking enough.” He further said, “Fitness is zero percent investment with infinite returns.”
Besides, PM Modi also administered a fitness pledge, which read, “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.”
Giving examples of developed nations like Australia, Germany and China, Modi said that these countries are focussing big-time on fitness. He even related their growth to their fitness. “Success and fitness are closely connected. All successful people are fit. Body fit hai toh mind hit hai (If the body is fit, the mind is fit),” he said.
Modi also congratulated the winners of National Sports Awards 2019 and lauded the sporting achievements of India. “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.
Appreciating the initiative, the Sports Minister of India – Kiren Rijiju said, “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.”
The initiative aims to encourage the people of India to indulge into regular physical activity and sports in their everyday life. Besides, the University Grant Commission (UGC) has issued a letter to all the Universities asking them to prepare for the ‘Fit India Movement’.
The Prime Minister has also formed a 28-member committee comprising of Government Officials, Members of Indian Olympic Association (IOA), National Sports Federations, private bodies and fitness promoters to ensure that India stays fit. The committee is headed by Kiren Rijiju.
How’s the response?
The ‘Fit India Movement’ has received phenomenal response from people of all walks of life
Thanking PM for the initiative, actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra tweeted, “In today’s fast-paced life, being fit is as important as breathing. So, I urge you all to join me in our Hon’ble Prime Minister, @PMOIndia‘s initiative, the ‘Fit India’ campaign. Pledge to make fitness a way of life today.”
In today's fast-paced life, being fit is as important as breathing. So, I urge you all to join me in our Hon'ble Prime Minister, @PMOIndia‘s initiative, the ‘Fit India’ campaign. Pledge to make fitness a way of life today.@KirenRijiju @Media_SAI #SwasthRahoMastRaho #FitIndia pic.twitter.com/a1xB682c08
— SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA (@TheShilpaShetty) August 28, 2019
Legendary cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar said, “Spent some time with these wonder women at the St. Anthony’s Old Age Home, felt blessed by the love shown by them. Their excitement to play carrom knew no bounds. As rightly said by our Hon. PM Shri @narendramodi, SPORTS & FITNESS IS FOR ALL.”
Spent some time with these wonder women at the St. Anthony's Old Age Home, felt blessed by the love shown by them. Their excitement to play carrom knew no bounds.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 29, 2019
As rightly said by our Hon. PM Shri @narendramodi, SPORTS & FITNESS IS FOR ALL.#SportPlayingNation#FitIndiaMovement pic.twitter.com/XF78o2x5yk
Cricketer turned politician, Gautam Gambhir wrote, “On this #NationalSportsDay I want to thank Hon’ble PM @narendamodi ji for launching a nationwide #FitIndia movement. खेलेगा इंडिया, तो खिलेगा इंडिया। #FitIndiaMovement”
On this #NationalSportsDay I want to thank Hon'ble PM @narendamodi ji for launching a nationwide #FitIndia movement. खेलेगा इंडिया, तो खिलेगा इंडिया। #FitIndiaMovement https://t.co/gDBiNmho3y
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 29, 2019
The Minister of Women & Child Development – Smriti Irani tweeted, “Remembering Major Dhyanchand ji on his birth anniversary and extending greetings to all the sportspersons. This National Sports Day, let us join PM @narendramodi Ji’s clarion call for #FitIndiaMovement & build a fit and healthy India.”
Remembering Major Dhyanchand ji on his birth anniversary and extending greetings to all the sportspersons.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) August 29, 2019
This National Sports Day, let us join PM @narendramodi Ji’s clarion call for #FitIndiaMovement & build a fit and healthy India. pic.twitter.com/fWUrH25QNc
