Varanasi: Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Promotes Drug-Free India Through 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle'

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, led the 94th edition of 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' in Varanasi. Based on the theme 'Drug-Free Youth for Developed India,' the event saw participation from over 500 cyclists and more than 1,000 participants, aiming to spread the message of a healthy India and drug-free youth.

The program commenced at 6:00 AM at Namo Ghat with a meditation session led by Dr. Nivedita Shreyans, Youth Program Director of the Heartfulness Institute (Kanha Shantivanam, Hyderabad). During the session, she emphasized the importance of mental health alongside physical fitness. The event also featured a Zumba session and a Kathak performance.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya called upon the youth to make fitness a part of their daily routine. On this occasion, the Union Minister and the participants took a pledge for a 'Drug-Free India,' making a collective resolve to prevent the abuse of narcotics. Following the address, Dr. Mandaviya led a cycle rally from Namo Ghat to Sampurnanand Sanskrit University.

The event also honored medalists from the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The athletes recognized included Ms. Prachi Chaudhary, bronze medalist in the women's 400m race; Ms. Parul Chaudhary, two-time bronze medalist in the 3000m steeplechase and 5000m race; Mr. Jai Kumar, silver medalist in the mixed 4x400m relay and bronze medalist in the men's 4x400m relay; and Mr. Raj Kumar Pal, gold medalist with the Indian men's hockey team.

The primary objective of the event was to introduce youth to values such as discipline and dedication, and to encourage them to adopt an active lifestyle by drawing inspiration from successful figures in the world of sports.