President unveils Fit India Initiative
Fit India Movement Launched on National Sports Day
The Fit India Movement was officially launched on 29 August 2019, marking National Sports Day, at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the initiative, which aims to encourage Indian citizens to adopt healthy and fit lifestyles [1].
The Fit India Movement is a nationwide drive to promote physical fitness and well-being. It includes a fitness pledge where individuals commit to dedicating time daily to physical activity and inspiring others to do the same, with the ultimate goal of making India a "fit nation" [1].
The movement is backed by a committee consisting of government officials, members of the Indian Olympic Association, national sports federations, and fitness promoters. They provide guidance on campaign strategies. Schools, particularly government-run ones, receive funds to purchase fitness equipment, with a requirement to maintain it properly. Schools can also incorporate traditional and regional games into their activities under this initiative [1].
The Fit India Movement has expanded with initiatives like the Fit India Sundays on Cycle, launched in December 2024 as part of the broader Fit India vision. This initiative encourages cycling as a sustainable, eco-friendly form of physical fitness and transportation. It also addresses social issues such as drug de-addiction and fosters youth empowerment, promoting both physical health and social awareness [2][4].
The Fit India Movement has several objectives:
- Promoting daily physical activity and sports participation among citizens.
- Instilling fitness consciousness as a national priority.
- Encouraging schools and workplaces to adopt fitness-friendly practices.
- Expanding public health through community-based initiatives like cycling programs.
- Integrating broader social goals such as drug-free living and youth engagement through fitness [1][2].
Prime Minister Modi urged the people of the country to make fitness a lifestyle. He stated that the medals won by young Indian sportspersons are a reflection of a new zeal and new confidence of a New India. He also paid tributes to Major Dhyanchand, an Indian sports icon, during the launch of the Fit India Movement [1].
The Prime Minister emphasized that while the government initiated the Fit India Movement, it is the people who must lead it and make it a success. He encouraged the nation to embrace the movement and work towards a healthier, more active, and socially conscious India.
Participants in the Fit India Movement, initiated on National Sports Day, are encouraged to engage in fitness-and-exercise routines and sports for promoting a health-and-wellness lifestyle, aligning with the vision of making India a 'fit nation' through daily physical activity. The movement also integrates social goals such as drug de-addiction and youth engagement, making it a comprehensive approach towards holistic well-being and social awareness, backed by various initiatives like cycling programs.
