Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, after flagging off the marathon in Panipat on Sunday, administered an oath to the state’s youth to stay away from drugs. “The State’s youth have distinguished themselves both nationally and internationally through their talent and skills. Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently commends the power of youth. A healthy body is fundamental to a fulfilling life, and it has been said that the first happiness lies in good health. Only healthy individuals can foster a healthy society, and a robust society is the cornerstone of a country's and a state's development and progress,” the Chief Minister added.
Saini, addressing the gathering, said that the marathon aims to raise awareness about fitness while promoting love and brotherhood among citizens. During the event, the Chief Minister honoured the winners and administered an oath to the youth to stay away from drugs. He congratulated all participants in the 21 km, 10 km, and five km races, saying that involvement in such events sends a positive message to society and inspires all, especially children and young people.
To further the Prime Minister’s Fit India Mission, the State has consistently promoted marathons, sports, yoga, and Raahgiri initiatives in Haryana. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the administration and participating organizations for the event’s success. He also joined marathon runners in an open vehicle and visited various stalls set up by local institutions.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the programme would achieve its objectives, praising the enthusiasm shown by participants, including a significant number of school and college students, young athletes, police personnel, and even senior citizens over the age of 60, who actively participated in the marathon.
He highlighted the remarkable turnout and enthusiasm from the citizens of Panipat, stating that the event was a celebration of joy, excitement, and unity. The Chief Minister acknowledged the achievements of Haryana’s athletes across various sectors, including manufacturing in Manesar, startups in Gurugram, and the sports arena.
Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Fit India’ initiative launched on August 29, 2019, the Chief Minister underscored its goal of making fitness a fundamental aspect of daily life. He said that the Prime Minister's promotion of yoga, recognized worldwide, has greatly contributed to fitness awareness, especially with June 21 being designated as International Yoga Day since 2015.
The Chief Minister encouraged attendees to inspire their families and neighbours to embrace fitness, affirming the government’s commitment to prioritizing public health. He mentioned plans to establish open-air gymnasiums in every block as part of their Sankalp Patra initiative.
He said that the enthusiasm generated by the marathon has transformed the Fit India initiative into a mass movement. The growing participation in parks, sports stadiums, and open spaces across cities such as Panipat, Gurugram, and Faridabad is evidence of this trend, aligning Haryana with major cities like Delhi and Mumbai in hosting annual fitness events.
The Marathon was part of the Haryana Uday program, launched in June 2023, aimed at fostering public welfare through community engagement. The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction with the outreach success of Haryana Uday, pledging to organize more events in the future, including initiatives focused on cooperation between police and the public, Raahgiri, Cyclothons, sports competitions in crime-affected areas, and de-addiction campaigns.
‘Govt Committed to Promote Yoga and Ayurveda’
In another event, while addressing the 12th annual festival of Acharyakulam at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar as the chief guest, Saini said that the Government is committed to promote Yoga and Ayurveda in the State. He sought blessings from saints for Haryana’s development.
The Chief Minister extended his greetings for Dhanteras, Diwali, Annakoot (Govardhan Puja), Bhai Dooj, and Chhath to everyone present. He remarked, “I have come to Hari’s Dwar from the land of Hari,” expressing his fortune to be in the presence of saints.
The Chief Minister praised Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev for his role in reviving Ayurveda and Yoga, noting that the Haryana Government is actively working to promote these fields. Gyms have been established in about 6,500 panchayats, wellness centers in villages, and yoga teachers appointed to inspire the youth toward yoga. Yoga has been made a compulsory subject from grades one to ten, and initiatives like Sri Krishna Ayush University in Kurukshetra and a research center in Jhajjar demonstrate the government’s dedication. Additionally, 506 Ayurvedic dispensaries and Ayushman centers have been established.
During the event, Swami Ramdev announced plans to establish an Acharyakulam in Haryana that would be larger than the one in Haridwar. In response, the Chief Minister pledged his full support for this project, expressing that it would be a source of pride for the people of Haryana.
