Varanasi: Union minister for youth affairs and sports Mansukh Mandaviya led the 94th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle here to promote the message ‘Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India’. More than 500 cyclists and over 1,000 participants joined the event, which combined fitness, culture, mindfulness and a pledge against substance abuse.Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya urged young people to make fitness a part of their daily routine and adopt a healthy lifestyle. He underlined the need for a drug-free society, after which the minister and participants took the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, reaffirming their collective commitment to combating substance abuse.Mandaviya then led a 5.5-km cycle rally from Namo Ghat to Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, carrying the campaign message in Varanasi. The event also honoured 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games medallists, including Prachi Chaudhary, Parul Chaudhary, Jai Kumar and Raj Kumar Pal, whose presence inspired participants with examples of discipline, dedication and sporting excellence.The rally transformed the fitness message into a mass movement, encouraging citizens to embrace active living and become ambassadors of a drug-free India.Earlier, the event commenced from Namo Ghat at 6 am with a meditation session led by Nivedita Shreyans, director, Youth Programmes, Heartfulness Institute, Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad. She highlighted the importance of mental well-being along with physical fitness. The session was followed by a Kathak performance and an energetic Zumba activity, bringing together cultural expression and community participation.By blending cycling, meditation, cultural performances and the anti-drug pledge, the event reinforced fitness as a way of life rooted in discipline, mental health and responsible choices. It also brought celebrated athletes closer to the community, giving youth an opportunity to learn from their journeys and confidently choose healthier, purpose-driven paths in life.
