Modi launches 'Fit India Movement', says success has no elevator
With the hope of bringing behavioral changes in the citizens of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the "Fit India Movement" from New Delhi's Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Speaking at the event, he advocated for a healthy body and mind. He said success has no elevator, only stairs and added that despite no investment in fitness the returns are remarkable.
India's celebrates National Sports Day on Major Dhyan Chand's birthday
The government chose an important day to kickstart this movement. Today is the National Sports Day, observed on the birthday of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Remembering the iconic sportsperson, PM Modi said, "My wishes to you all on National Sports Day. It was on this day that India got a sports star like Major Dhyan Chand who left the world spell-bound."
People used to walk earlier, now that has changed: PM
PM Modi, who himself is a fitness enthusiast, stressed on a healthy lifestyle. Hinting that technology made people lazier, he said, "Till a few decades ago, a normal person used to walk 8-10 kilometers in a day. Then gradually technology changed, modern means came and people reduced their walking habit." But he added the same technology does tell you how much you have walked.
"Even young people are getting heart attacks these days"
"Today, many lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension are increasing. You will find many people suffering from them. Earlier we used to hear that risk of heart attack increases after the age of 50-60, now the youth of 35-40 years are getting heart attacks," he said.
Want to be successful? Stay healthy, suggested PM Modi
Further, he said that a couple of lifestyle changes can help one put diseases at bay. In an attempt to "inspire" people, he also added that success and fitness are interlinked. "Take any field today, look at your icons, see their success stories, whether they are in sports, films, business, most of them are fit. This is not just a coincidence," he underlined.
Zero investment, unlimited returns: PM Modi on healthy lifestyle
Encouraging countrymen to take health seriously, PM Modi said, "There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs." He said the government may have started the Fit India Movement, but the citizens have to lead it. "I can say from my personal experiences that there is zero investment in it, but the returns are unlimited," he went on.
PM Modi's initiative got thumbs-up from legend Sachin Tendulkar
More than 11 ministries will handle Fit India Movement
Notably, PM Modi's speech was live-streamed in schools and colleges across the nation. On Wednesday, the University Grants Commission (UGC) asked higher institutions to urge staff to walk 10,000 steps daily. Interestingly, more than 11 ministries will "manage" the movement in coordination with one another for better outreach. These include Sports Ministry, HRD ministry, Panchayati Raj Ministry, Rural Development Ministry etc.
