PM Modi says like there is no elevator to success and one must climb the stairs, for a healthy body and mind it is important to give up lethargy and coax oneself to get moving
Exhorting citizens to shed lethargy and make a start by including workout in their daily routine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the Fit India Movement at the Indira Gandhi stadium in Delhi.
In a motivational speech to the gathered crowd, predominantly of youngsters, the PM said like there is no elevator to success and one must climb the stairs, for a healthy body and mind it is important to give up lethargy and coax oneself to get moving.
PM Modi also made clear why he decided to call it not a campaign but a movement, as given the increasing lifestyle diseases like diabetes, it was important to start something on a very large scale, that many other countries such as China, Germany and USA have done and are doing.
After a colourful presentation of India's indigenous martial art forms, dances and sports, PM Modi paid tribute to Hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary that India celebrates every year on August 29 as the National Sports Day.
In a language that would appeal to everyone, PM Modi said while technology has contributed to a sedentary lifestyle, one can also use it judiciously to keep fit.
"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 km a day, do cycling or run to board a bus, Modi said.
"But, with technology, physical activity has reduced. We walk less now and the same technology in the form of fitness watch or app on your phone tells us that we are not walking enough," he added asking people not to just dump it after a few days but make use of such technology to increase their activity.
Participants perform a dance Mallakhamb during the Launch of Fit India Movement on National Sports Day in New Delhi on Thursday (ANI)
PM Modi also launched a Fitness Logo at the launch of Fit India Movement. He also asked citizens to take the Fitness Pledge that reads, "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."
"Mein fit toh India fit (If I am fit then India is fit)" should be your mool mantra, he told the audience and explained them how much money, time and productive years get wasted just because people don't work out.
"Remember that keeping yourself fit will help you take your family and your country to greater heights," said PM Modi.
The launch was also attended by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and National Sports Awards 2019 winners among others.
"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," Rijiju said at the launch.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the winners of the national sports awards and lauded India's growing sporting achievements during that past five years.
"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.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) asked higher educational institutes to make necessary arrangements to view PM Modi's address on the launch of the movement. As a part of the fitness pledge, UGC has asked everyone to walk at least 10,000 steps and follow it up in their daily routine.
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 "Prime Minister Narendra Modi")
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