Launch of the Fit India Movement by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the much anticipated nation-wide Fit India Movement on National Sports Day, 29 August 2019. The aim of the movement is to encourage people to prioritise sport and fitness in their day-to-day lives.

47 Students of classes V to X of The Indian School attended the launch of this inspiring movement at 10 am at the Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, New Delhi. They were accompanied by Ms Sahodra Pawaiya and Mr Pardeep Chaudhary of the Physical Education department. More than thirty schools from all over the city came to watch the grand ceremony.

In his address, PM Modi urged citizens to make fitness a daily habit. Fitness is not just a word but a necessary condition of healthy and prosperous life", he said. Also, that there is no elevator to success; you have to take the stairs. He remembered the contributions of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary hockey player. During the event, the honourable prime minister also administered the fitness pledge to the people of the country.

Minister of State, Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju headed a 28-member committee comprising of government officials, members of Indian Olympic Association, national sports federations, fitness promoters and private bodies to advise the government on the movement.

Sports Minister, Mr Kirenn Rijiju in his speech expressed his views about the importance of staying fit.

A number of athletes attended the launch of this movement. Centenarian sprinter Man Kaur hailed the Movement, saying a country can progress only if its citizens are healthy. The 103-year old sprinter and her 81-year-old son Gurdev were among the veteran athletes, who attended the capital event!

Other notable invitees included the fitness icon Ms Shilpa Shetty, BJP Members of Parliament- Gautam Gambhir and Manoj Tiwari.

The stadium was awash with vibrant hues and lively folk dance forms of different states. Bihu, Bhangra and Garba expressed the varied culture of India. There was a showcasing of indigenous Indian sport like the kho-kho, gilli-danda, kancha, wrestling, kabaddi and Malkhamb art. This last act riveted the audience as gymnasts climbed the malkhamb to perform some amazing feats.

Above all, the performances lay emphasis on the need to switch over to the outdoors instead of staying indoors like couch potatoes.

In the end, all rose for the national anthem. The unforgettable display left its indelible mark on young spectators while the electrifying atmosphere infused them with the zeal to stay fit.