Gandhinagar Fitness Event Promotes Drug-Free Youth Through Sports
Youth in Gandhinagar came together on Saturday for a 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' awareness programme that combined traditional Indian games with fitness activities. The event, held on 24 October, celebrated India's traditional sports while sending a clear message against drug abuse.
The programme sought to build awareness among young people about physical fitness, the significance of traditional Indian sports, and the advantages of a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
It was conducted by the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Western Centre of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Gandhinagar, together with 'My Bharat'. The day featured multiple traditional and fitness-based games, such as Lagori, tug of war, sack race, a 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' themed Snakes and Ladders game, 'Defeat Addiction' (coin toss), 'Choose Fitness' (ring toss), the 'Fit India' fitness challenge and penalty shoot-out.
These games promoted teamwork, discipline and the spirit of sport, and highlighted the cultural richness of India's traditional sports.
The main awareness session was led by chief guest Nisha, a mountaineer. She focused on fitness, discipline, endurance, healthy lifestyle choices and staying away from narcotic substances. The programme concluded with a prize distribution ceremony in which winners of the different traditional games and activities were honoured.
Among those attending were Sachin Sharma, State Director of 'My Bharat' (Gujarat), Pankaj Yadav, Deputy Director of 'My Bharat', and Shreyansh Singh, Assistant Director of 'My Bharat' (Gujarat). District Youth Officers Amrita Surana of Navsari, Kajal Sahrawat of Patan and Vishal Nagarale of Jamnagar were also present.
By coming together for this initiative, SAI Gandhinagar and 'My Bharat' reiterated their commitment to advancing the goals of the Fit India Movement. They also pledged to encourage youth to embrace sports, fitness and a healthy, drug-free way of life.
In a conversation with IANS, Nisha said she was happy to be at the event. She said efforts are being made to spread the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' message among young people and that it is necessary today to keep youth away from drugs. She added that traditional games are being shared with the present generation, since many children do not know what games were played in the past. She said it feels good when such messages reach young people.
Vishal Nagarale, District Youth Officer of Jamnagar, said 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the aim is for India to be completely free of drugs and for young people to stay away from them, so that the vision of a developed India by 2047 can be realised.