National Unity Day celebrated grandly through cycling in Ahmedabad

The 97th edition of 'Fit India – Sundays on Cycle' was organized on the occasion of National Unity Day at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad. More than 500 people enthusiastically participated in this event held on 1 November 2026. The main objective of this program was to create awareness among people regarding national unity, physical fitness, discipline and environmental protection. According to a PIB Ahmedabad report, this initiative was undertaken by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre Gandhinagar in collaboration with the Fit India Movement and MY Bharat.

Cadets and personnel from various NCC battalions and units of Gujarat, along with cycling enthusiasts and general citizens, participated in this event. Through this organization, an understanding was imparted about adopting an active lifestyle and the role of citizens in building a healthy and strong nation. Ms. Sahila Sainsan, Assistant Director of SAI Regional Centre Gandhinagar, was also present at the program.

There was a large attendance of various NCC units in the program. Members from 37 Gujarat Battalion NCC, 1 Gujarat Artillery Battery NCC, 9 Gujarat Battalion NCC, 2 CTC, 1 Naval NCC, 2 Air Squadron NCC, 1 Gujarat Girls Battalion NCC, 1 Gujarat Boys Battalion NCC, 2 Gujarat Company Gandhinagar and 2 Independent NCC Gandhinagar participated in this. An effort was made to strengthen the spirit of patriotism and teamwork through this participation.

During the program, officers and personnel of various NCC units who made active contributions were also honored. Those honored include Subedar Indrajeet of 37 Gujarat Battalion NCC; Naib Subedar Ashok Chavan and Subedar Kuldeep of 1 Gujarat NCC Artillery; Subedar Motup, Havildar Raghubhai and Naik Ranjnesh Kumar of 1 Gujarat Girls Battalion NCC; Havildar Birendra Singh of 9 Gujarat Battalion NCC; Shishupal Singh of 1 Naval NCC; M. B. Rao of 1 Gujarat CTC; Havildar Mohan Singh and Havildar Akram of 1 Gujarat Battalion NCC; as well as Havildar Jayesh Kumar, Nikita (GCA) and Havildar Vipul of 2 Independent NCC Gandhinagar.

The festival began with a Zumba session. Following this, various sports such as chess, foosball, ludo, badminton and volleyball were organized for the participants. Through these activities, the aim was to enhance mutual interaction and collective participation along with entertainment for the people. Additionally, a 'Fit India Games Zone' was also set up at the venue, where people enjoyed traditional Indian games. The objective of this was to connect people with India's sporting heritage and increase physical activity.

Awareness was also spread regarding the BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Prescription in environmental care. Under this, messages such as giving up single-use plastics, saving energy, reducing waste, recycling responsibly and using local and sustainable products were given. Citizens were motivated to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily through the message of “Fitness ka Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz” in the program.

Inspired by the ideals of the Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the importance of individual and collective efforts for a healthy and clean India was explained through this program. The 'Fit India – Sundays on Cycle' initiative was launched by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024. This initiative is organized by SAI in collaboration with organizations such as the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Navvratan Foundation, Fitspire, Center for Integrative Health and MY Bharat. These programs are organized by various SAI centers across all states and union territories of the country.