A morning of movement and unity
Nearly 1,000 fitness enthusiasts gathered at the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday for the 97th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle. Held on the first morning of November, the event brought cycling and community fitness together with a wider message on national unity and environmentally responsible living.
The programme commemorated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and formed part of BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week. Its theme, ‘One Week, Seven Actions. One Planet’, placed everyday habits such as physical activity and mindful use of resources at the centre of the gathering. Although temperatures had dipped across Delhi, participants assembled for an early start, turning a cool morning into an opportunity for movement, companionship and public participation.
Organised by Fit India, the Sunday initiative was held simultaneously at locations across the country. According to the Sports Authority of India, the campaign has attracted almost 37 lakh participants from about 31,000 locations since its launch in December 2024. The figures indicate the scale of a weekly movement that has continued for almost two years, bringing cycling and outdoor activity into the routines of people in different parts of India.
From a weekly ride to a daily habit
For many participants, the appeal of a cycling event lies in its simplicity. It does not require a complicated routine or specialised setting: a bicycle, a safe route and a little time can create an accessible starting point for regular exercise. The Fit India campaign’s emphasis on consistency also reflects a practical approach to wellness, encouraging people to view fitness as part of ordinary life rather than as an occasional challenge.
Deepak Sharma, a jailor, accomplished bodybuilder and Fit India Champion, said the enthusiasm of young participants was encouraging. He linked the growing attendance with a greater awareness of the value of fitness and urged citizens to make such activities part of their everyday lives.
“Fitness is real wealth, and we must live by the motto – ‘Fitness Ki Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz’,”
The event also brought together guests from several fields, including fitness, sport, yoga, academia and cycling. The listed participants included Deepak, who has received All India Civil Services and national-level accolades in bodybuilding; Jyoti Bharti, a national-level table tennis player, fitness coach and certified yoga instructor; and Pankhuri Srivastava, a yoga and meditation coach and Fit India Ambassador. Representatives of the Navyoga community also attended, including Santosh Srivastava, Finance Officer at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University, and Dr Swadesh Singh.
Why sustainable choices matter
By placing the ride within BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week, the programme connected personal wellbeing with the condition of the environment. Cycling is a visible reminder that some daily journeys and leisure activities can be approached in ways that support both physical health and lower-impact living. The theme also encourages people to consider how repeated small decisions — the way they travel, exercise and use resources — can become part of a larger public effort.
For those looking to adopt the spirit of the campaign at home, the message can be translated into manageable steps:
- Set aside a regular period for walking, cycling, yoga or another form of movement.
- Choose active travel for suitable short-distance journeys where safe facilities are available.
- Carry reusable items, avoid unnecessary waste and use household resources carefully.
- Take part in community fitness or environmental activities to make healthy habits easier to sustain.
The New Delhi gathering therefore carried two complementary ideas: that fitness grows through steady participation, and that sustainable living begins with actions that can be repeated. With the Sundays on Cycle campaign continuing across India, its expanding reach provides a public platform for people to make movement, outdoor activity and environmental awareness a more familiar part of the week.
| Campaign detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Edition held | 97th |
| New Delhi participation | About 1,000 people |
| Campaign launch | December 2024 |
| Participation nationwide | Almost 37 lakh people |
| Locations covered | About 31,000 |
