Fit India Rides High with Tiranga Rally Glow
On a crisp June morning, as the sun cast a golden glow over Delhi’s Major Dhyanchand National Stadium, the rhythmic hum of bicycle wheels filled the air. The 25th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, christened the Tiranga Cycling Rally, unfolded with a vibrant display of patriotism, fitness, and environmental consciousness. Over 75,000 cyclists pedalled across 5,000 locations nationwide, their collective effort a heartfelt tribute to India’s armed forces and a celebration of World Bicycle Day. Leading the charge in Delhi was Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, joined by a spirited contingent of 1,500 cyclists, including sports icons like Olympic medallist Yogeshwar Dutt, cricketer Saba Karim, wrestler Sarita Mor, and Bollywood actress Sharvari, alongside the Indian cycling team.
The event’s significance resonated far beyond the capital. From the rugged terrains of Jammu and Kashmir—where cyclists in Jammu, Poonch, Kishtwar, and beyond joined in—to the Khelo India Centres and SAI Training Centres across the country, the rally united people from all walks of life. In Agartala, Olympian Dipa Karmakar flagged off the event with infectious enthusiasm, while in Sonepat, archery stalwarts like Deepika Kumari and Paralympic double gold medallist Sumit Antil added star power. In Bengaluru, hockey player S.K. Uthappa cycled with purpose, and in Rohtak, the All India Police force made a strong showing. Even state ministers, like Uttarakhand’s Rekha Arya and Uttar Pradesh’s Girish Yadav, joined rallies in their regions, pedalling alongside students, professionals, and fitness enthusiasts.
Dr. Mandaviya, addressing the crowd, framed the rally as more than a fitness drive. “This Tiranga Rally is a salute to our jawans and their sacrifice,” he said, referencing the recent success of Operation Sindoor, a testament to the armed forces’ unwavering courage. “Fitness and patriotism go hand in hand.” The event also marked the launch of two forward-thinking initiatives: the Fit India Newsletter, a monthly digest brimming with fitness tips and inspiring stories, and a Carbon Credit Tracker on the Fit India mobile app. This innovative feature allows cyclists to measure the carbon emissions they save by choosing two wheels over four, with Dr. Mandaviya urging participants to download the app and track their impact. “Your speed, from 7 to 34 kmph, and your distance will be recorded, and your carbon credits will be added,” he explained, blending environmental advocacy with personal achievement.
At the heart of the Delhi rally was actress Sharvari, whose vibrant energy and recent roles in films like Munjya and Maharaja have marked her as a rising star. Honoured as the Young Fit India Icon, she spoke with nostalgia and pride. “Cycling reminds me of school summer holidays—we’d hire cycles and set off on adventures,” she shared. “But today, this rally is so much more. It’s for our brave soldiers who let us sleep peacefully at night. It’s an honour to pay tribute to them.” Her words struck a chord, echoing the rally’s deeper purpose.
The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative, which began modestly in December 2024 with just 150 cyclists, has snowballed into a nationwide phenomenon in just six months. Partners like the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat, and even Red FM have fuelled its growth, alongside contributions from the CISF, Indian Medical Association, and corporate groups. Olympian Yogeshwar Dutt captured the spirit of the movement: “This links national health with national pride. From young kids to senior citizens, everyone’s here. That’s the power of this campaign.” Former cricketer Saba Karim, reflecting on his own childhood cycling to school, praised the initiative’s inclusivity and environmental benefits. “No maintenance, no pollution—a perfect tool for health and the planet,” he said.
Wrestler Sarita Mor, whose training routine already includes cycling, added a personal touch. “I feel blessed to be part of this initiative started by PM Narendra Modi,” she said. “Today, we also remember our soldiers from Operation Sindoor. Their courage keeps us safe.” Her words underscored the rally’s emotional weight, tying physical fitness to a profound sense of gratitude.
As the cyclists dispersed, their tyres leaving faint tracks on the roads, the Tiranga Rally stood as a testament to India’s evolving ethos—one where health, environmental stewardship, and national pride pedal in unison. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the quiet trails of Bandipora, this movement is not just about cycling; it’s about a nation moving forward, one revolution at a time.
– global bihari bureau
