Fit India Movement launch: 'Body fit hai toh mind hit hai,' says PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi will soon be launching the nationwide Fit India Movement at Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex in New Delhi. He is accompanied by Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Youth Affairs & Sports.

PM launches 'Fit India Movement', says it will lead India towards healthy future

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Fit India' Movement' on Thursday, saying the initiative is the need of the hour and will take the country towards a healthier future.

At a colourful ceremony, which included a presentation ofIndia's indigenous martial art forms, dances and sports, Modi said technology has contributed to a sedentary lifestyle.

"Fitnesshas always been an integral part of our culture. But there is indifference towardsfitnessissues now. A few decades back, a normal person would walk 8-10km in a day, do cycling or run," Modi said at the event.

"But with technology, physical activity has reduced. We walk less now and the same technology tells us that we are not walking enough," he added.

Congratulatingthe winners of the national sports awards, Modi said, "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 newIndia's confidence."

PTI

There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs: PM Modi

At the launch of the Fit India Movement, which he dubbeda mass movement, PM Modi said,“There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs.”

Actress Shilpa Shetty and actor-turned-politician Manoj Tiwari attending the launch

Not a government movement: PM Modi

Lifestyle diseases are coming into the picture because of lifestyle disorders whichcan be also be fixed by fixing our lifestyles. There are a lot of diseased that can be cured by making little changes in our lifestyles.

The Fit India Movement is being launched to inspire the nation to bring out those changes.

This isn't a government movement. The government will take it forward as a catalyst agent but in a way, it should become the agenda of every family.

"Fitness is an important part of our way of life but with time, there is a laxity in terms of fitness in our society. There used to be some physical activity and then came technological change. Our physical activity has gone down...Cases of diabetes and hypertension have gone up.

The situation today is that we walk less and the same technology tells us how many steps we've walked. People download fitness apps on their phones and don't even check them later."

Modi speaks at the launch:

We got a great sportsperson in the form of Major Dhyan Chand today. He left the world spellbound with his hockeystick and I pay my tribute to him today.

Watch the ongoing launch of the Fit India Movement live here:

"Tremendous supports are coming from all sections of the society to participate in the Fit India Movement to be launched by PM Narendra Modi ji on August 29 at 10 am. Chief Ministers, corporates and many icons are taking amazing steps to make the programme a grand success," ahead of the Fit India Movement launch, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju tweeted.

I'm happy that on the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, known the hockey wizard, the Fit India Movement is being launched. I welcome you all, said Rijiju

Every Indian will have to come together and work as one: Rijiju

We should start this as a movement and with the guidance of the Prime Minister, we'll take this programme to new heights for which every Indian will have to come together and work as one.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) Youth Affairs & Sports Kiren Rijiju on the occassion of the launch:

Today, people across the countryhave joined us with fervour in this movement, for the first time over a movement related to fitness. To fulfill the Prime Minister's vision and dream of building an empowered India, a progressive India, every Indian will have to get fit, stay healthy -- physically and mentally and I welcome everyone.

Rajnath Singh appeals people to make a ‘Fitter & Better' India

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his happiness over the Fit India Movement launch today. In a tweet he said: "I am also happy to know that the Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi himself is going to launch the #FitIndiaMovement today to mark the National Sports Day. I appeal to everyone to join this fitness movement and make a ‘Fitter & Better India’."