Youth urged to stay fit as India promotes drug‑free future

The 89th iteration of the Fit India "Sunday on Cycle" rally took place in Surat on 6 September, under the banner “Drug‑Free Youth for a Developed India”. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi fronted the ceremony, placing garlands on the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel statue before launching the ride with a balloon release.

Thousands of cyclists—students, professionals, retirees—took to the streets, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm for a healthier lifestyle. In remarks to the press, Mandaviya noted that the initiative has already reached over 25,000 locations nationwide, spreading a clear message: a nation’s progress depends on the well‑being of its young people.

"Sunday on Cycle" operates every Sunday across India as part of the broader Fit India program, rotating its flagship event among different cities each week. The campaign, which began in December 2024, is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Indian Cycling Federation, and partner organizations, aiming to boost fitness, curb substance misuse, and protect the environment.