Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports , led the 94th edition of ‘ Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ in Varanasi. The event was attended by over 500 cyclists and over 1,000 participants, spreading the message of a drug-free youth and a healthy India. The event, themed ‘ Drug-free youth for a developed India ‘, also saw participation from the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games medal winners – Ms. Prachi Chaudhary , Ms. Parul Chaudhary , Mr. Jai Kumar, and Mr. Raj Kumar Pal.
The program began with a meditation session at Namo Ghat at 6:00 am. The session was led by Dr. Nivedita Shreyans, Youth Program Director at the Heartfulness Institute at Kanha Shantivanam, Hyderabad. She emphasized the importance of mental health, along with physical fitness, for leading a healthy life. This was followed by a spectacular Kathak performance and a vigorous Zumba session , promoting holistic well-being through cultural expression , movement, and community participation.
Addressing the gathering , Dr. Mandaviya called upon the youth to make fitness a part of their daily routine and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Emphasizing the importance of a drug-free society , the Union Minister and the participants took the pledge of ‘Drug Free India’ and reiterated their collective resolve to combat drug abuse and create a drug-free generation. After the address , Dr. Mandaviya led a cycle rally from Namo Ghat to Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, spreading the message of ‘Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India’ on the streets of Varanasi.
The event also celebrated India’s sporting achievements by felicitating distinguished medal winners from the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Among the felicitated athletes were Ms. Prachi Chaudhary , bronze medalist in the women’s 400m race, Ms. Parul Chaudhary, two bronze medalists in the women’s 3000m steeplechase and 5000m races, 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 as a member of the Indian men’s hockey team.
The presence of these athletes underscored the values of discipline , perseverance , and dedication that underpin outstanding performance in sports. It also inspired young participants to embrace fitness and choose a healthy lifestyle.
This cycle rally transformed the message of fitness into a mass activity and encouraged citizens to adopt an active lifestyle and become ambassadors of a drug-free society. ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ brought successful athletes closer to communities, giving youth the opportunity to interact with sports icons and draw inspiration from their journeys.
The 94th edition emphasized that fitness is not just about physical activity , but a way of life that promotes discipline , mental health, and responsible choices. Through cycling , cultural expressions , meditation, and a pledge for a ‘Drug Free India’ , the event called upon the youth to stay away from drug abuse , adopt healthy habits, and play an active role in building a ‘Drug Free Youth’ generation for a ‘Developed India’ .
