Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has emphasized that India’s vision of becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 cannot be fulfilled unless fitness becomes a national priority.
Speaking at the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave held in Mumbai today, the minister said, fitness must be viewed as both a personal and collective responsibility essential for a healthy society. The minister described fitness as having three interconnected dimensions – health, business and wellness. He highlighted that India’s rapidly expanding economy, growing at nearly 8 percent, and the rise of the middle and upper-middle classes are creating new aspirations for better living standards, of which fitness is a crucial component.
Dr Mandaviya noted that with 65 percent of India’s population below 35 years and a growing number of youth showing enthusiasm for sports, the country has a unique opportunity to build a strong fitness ecosystem. He urged the industry to focus on domestic manufacturing of sports goods, gym equipment and nutrition products, moving away from imports and instead aiming to become an exporter in these sectors.
Emphasising the need to make fitness a mass movement, the minister cited the example of the ‘Cycling Sundays’ initiative. Dr Mandaviya pointed out the threefold benefits of cycling – improved health, pollution control and zero fuel consumption, calling it a model example of how small lifestyle shifts can collectively build a healthier and more sustainable nation.
Meanwhile, a series of engaging panel discussions with eminent guests have been organised as part of the conclave. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, Film- maker Rohit Shetty, 2012 London Olympics medallist Saina Nehwal, Cricket World Cup winner Harbhajan Singh among other dignitaries participated in the conclave.
