The event began at 6 a.m. and saw participation from thousands of residents, particularly young people from Ahmedabad. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, actor and Fit India icon Ayushmann Khurrana, Olympic medallist Gagan Narang and Olympic Association representative Ajay Patel were among those present.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya said the occasion was significant as it marked both Commonwealth Games Day and the 75th edition of the cycling initiative.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cToday is the 75th edition of \u2018Sunday on Cycle\u2019 and also \u2018Commonwealth Day\u2019. It is a matter of pride for all of us that Gujarat is going to host the Commonwealth Games in the year 2030,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Linking the campaign to the Prime Minister\u2019s broader development vision, the minister said, \u201cIt is essential for every citizen of the country to remain fit in order to realise the dream of a \u2018Viksit Bharat\u2019 envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mandaviya outlined what he described as the three major benefits of cycling. \u201cCycling is the world\u2019s best exercise to keep the body fit,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added that increased bicycle use could help address pollution and reduce fuel consumption for short-distance travel.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cUsing bicycles for nearby places gives momentum to the Prime Minister\u2019s \u2018Save Oil Campaign\u2019, resulting in economic savings in the country\u2019s fuel consumption,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the turnout reflected growing public engagement with fitness initiatives.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In a light-hearted remark, he said, \u201cA Gujarati person will stay awake the whole night for work, but waking up early in the morning for fitness is a major challenge for him.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Referring to the large turnout, he added that the participation of Ahmedabad\u2019s youth was \u201ctruly commendable\u201d.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sanghavi said the Fit India initiative should not be viewed as a political or government-driven exercise. \u201cThe Fit India movement is not a government or political programme, but a people\u2019s movement aimed at bringing positive change in everyone\u2019s lives,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ayushmann Khurrana said sports beyond cricket also required encouragement and wider public support.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sanghavi said the Fit India initiative should not be viewed as a political or government-driven exercise. \u201cThe Fit India movement is not a government or political programme, but a people\u2019s movement aimed at bringing positive change in everyone\u2019s lives,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Olympic shooter Gagan Narang also joined the cycling event alongside thousands of participants.<\/p>\r\n\r\n