Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya stated that cycling plays a significant role in India's progress toward becoming a developed nation. He made the remarks while participating in the 'Cycling by the Sea' event organized by the Sports Authority of India in Thiruvananthapuram as part of the Fit India Movement.
Cycling Rally and Participants
The cycling rally was held from Chacka ITI to Shanghumukham Beach, covering a stretch of the coastal city. Mandaviya emphasized that a healthy nation can only be built through healthy citizens and described cycling as the key to a healthy lifestyle. He pointed out that, besides promoting good health, cycling helps reduce pollution, ease traffic congestion, and conserve fuel.
The Union Minister urged people to make cycling a regular habit and highlighted the 'Sundays on Cycle' initiative under the Fit India Movement. He noted that the programme, which began at just 200 locations, has now expanded to 10,000 locations, with nearly 200,000 people participating. He congratulated the children and youth actively taking part in the initiative.
Event Details
Mandavija joined the cycling rally alongside women's groups comprising ASHA workers and Kudumbashree members, athletes from the Sports Authority of India, and cycling enthusiasts. Thiruvananthapuram Mayor VV Rajesh accompanied the Minister during the event. The rally saw the participation of around 200 people and was flagged off at Chacka by MLA V. Muraleedharan and Arjuna Award winner P. R. Sreejesh. A Zumba session for participants was conducted ahead of the rally.
The initiative was organized to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Fit India Movement, with the objective of encouraging people to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle through cycling and other physical fitness activities.
