Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the 'Fit India Movement' and said that health consciousness is the key to good health. Speaking at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi, Prime Minister urged all to make it a mass movement similar to that of Swaach Bharat Mission. At a colourful ceremony, which included a presentation of India's indigenous martial art forms, dances and sports, the Prime Minister said that technology has contributed to a sedentary lifestyle but fitness has been an integral part of India's culture. He said that the initiative is the need of the hour and will take the country towards a healthier future. 

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Speaking about health consciousness, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it is all about what mind decides. "Awareness and health consciousness is the key," he said. Sharing that if one has decided that they will not get tired and will not stop at any point, then the body functions in that manner. "Slowly body gets adapted to the routine. If health consciousness is evoked then a person keep themselves away from everything that harms the body.  For example, that person will never come under the effect of drugs, for them drugs will never be cool, it will never be a style statement. If you have a purpose ans work towards it with passion, then good health will come to you as a by product."

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PM Modi's message in 'Fit India Movement' launch:

Meanwhile the launch was also attended by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and this year's National Sports Awards winners among others. "We will take this movement to new heights with the cooperation of my fellow Indians. I am so glad that this movement is being launched on the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, our hockey wizard," Rijiju said at the launch. The Prime Minister congratulated the winners of the national sports awards and lauded India's sporting achievements. "Be it boxing, badminton, tennis or any sport, our athletes are giving new wings to our aspirations. Their medals are not just a result of their hard work but also a reflection of a new India's confidence," he said

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PM Modi on 'Fitness apps'

Rebuking people who do not walk the talk on fitness, PM Modi said that people claim not having sufficient time to focus on fitness. He added that people overeat while debating on dieting. He also shared the sorry state of home gyms. He claimed that some people buy gadgets to help them become fit, but forget to use it. 

"Many of you are aware and alert. But in the country, there are many who do not have the time to focus on their fitness. Some things have become a fashion statement. While dining with friends, some people eat more than required and debate about dieting. Such people talk about fitness in rhetoric and buy gadgets related to dieting. They keep such gadgets in the hope of doing dieting. They also have home gyms. But they have to employ people to clean the equipment as they do not use these equipment ever. Such people download fitness apps first. Then  they forget about these apps." he added.

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