Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nation-wide “Fit India Movement” on August 29 and appealed every citizen to remain healthy and fit. The event was launched at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi at 10 am.
On the occasion, PM Modi paid tribute to Dhyan Chand. He said, "On this day a great sportsperson was born, Major Dhyan Chand. He amazed the world with his fitness, stamina, and hockey stick."
It was telecast live on Doordarshan, which called it a “mass movement”. DD and Sports Authority of India streamed it live on their individual YouTube channel as well.
“Fit India movement”, which was launched on the occasion of the National Sports Day, aims to encourage people to inculcate physical activity and sports in their everyday lives. PM Modi also administered a fitness pledge on the occasion.
The entire programme has been conceptualised by PM Modi, Union Secretary (sports) RS Julaniya told News18. According to him, PM Modi has also given simple tips that can make people healthy in their day-to-day lives.
On the launch of the programme, PM Modi launched a “Fitness Logo”. Additionally, he will launch a “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,” the report added.
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.