On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Fit India Mission organized Fit India Freedom Run 6.0 across the country. The initiative carried a powerful message to eliminate single-use plastic and encourage citizens to keep public spaces litter-free.
Plog Run at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
The central event was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi where citizens, along with officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), actively participated in a Plog Run. A Plog Run is an innovative activity that combines jogging with collecting litter. Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary Sports, MYAS, led the drive as the Chief Guest, accompanied by Shri Ripu Daman, popularly known as the Plog Man of India, who graced the event as Guest of Honour.
Theme and Participation
With the slogan “Swacchhta se Swasthya ki or” (On the way to good health through cleanliness), the event was further enriched by the presence of Shri Kunal, Joint Secretary (Sports), MYAS, and Shri Mayank Srivastava, Deputy Director General, Sports Authority of India (SAI). Partners such as SundaysOnCycle, Yogasana Bharat, and MY Bharat also joined the mission with enthusiasm, encouraging mass participation across age groups.
Awareness Through Street Play
A street play was staged at the venue to spread awareness about the harmful effects of single-use plastic and the importance of hygienic practices in daily life. Citizens were urged to adopt eco-friendly alternatives and contribute to a cleaner India.
Month-long Cleanliness Drive
The Fit India Freedom Run 6.0 is not a one-day activity. Starting on October 2, the initiative will continue throughout the month, culminating on October 31, which marks the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Statements from Leaders
Addressing participants, Shri Hari Ranjan Rao emphasized, “If all citizens avoid single-use plastic and keep public places litter-free, we can achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat. A clean environment ensures fitness and health, which are the core goals of the Fit India Mission.”
Shri Ripu Daman added, “Cleanliness is not only about our homes but also our surroundings. This initiative is symbolic of cleansing our environment and our mindset. Every citizen should take part in such movements for a healthier future.”
Nationwide Participation
The plogging drive under Fit India Freedom Run 6.0 is being held simultaneously in all State and Union Territory capitals and across SAI Regional Centres. The campaign is being organised in collaboration with Fitspire, RED FM, and Rapido, ensuring widespread outreach and public engagement.
Conclusion
The Fit India Freedom Run 6.0 has successfully merged fitness with environmental responsibility. By pledging to eliminate single-use plastic and keep surroundings litter-free, the event has taken forward Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of cleanliness and simplicity while promoting Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a healthier, cleaner, and fitter India.
