Synopsis
In the latest 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, PM Modi commended Uttarakhand's rise as a significant sporting hub and discussed India's advancement towards becoming a global sporting power, along with addressing the obesity epidemic.Key Takeaways
- Uttarakhand's significant achievement in sports.
- Importance of sports in community transformation.
- Recognition of outstanding athletes and teams.
- Urgent need to combat obesity in India.
- Encouragement for healthier eating habits among citizens.
New Delhi, March 3 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Uttarakhand for its rise as a strong sporting force in the nation and highlighted India's swift progress towards being recognized as a global sporting powerhouse.
During the 119th episode of his monthly radio show, 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi reminisced about the recent National Games hosted in Uttarakhand, where over 11,000 athletes displayed their skills. He noted that the event presented a new viewpoint on Devbhoomi and that the state is now leaving a significant impact on Indian sports.
"The National Games in Uttarakhand demonstrated that those who never surrender ultimately triumph. I am delighted that with the dedication and discipline of our young athletes, India is swiftly advancing towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse," he stated.
Sharing his pride in Uttarakhand's remarkable performance, the Prime Minister mentioned that the state achieved the seventh position in the games, showcasing how sports not only shape individuals but also uplift entire communities.
He underscored that sports are vital in nurturing a culture of excellence, motivating future generations, and creating unforgettable performances that resonate broadly.
He congratulated the Services team for earning the highest number of gold medals and recognized individual athletes who excelled in the competition.
Among those he commended were Sawan Barwal from Himachal Pradesh, Kiran Matre from Maharashtra, Tejas Shirse from Maharashtra, Jyothi Yarraji from Andhra Pradesh, Sachin Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Pooja from Haryana, and Dinidhi Desinghu from Karnataka.
He acknowledged their remarkable contributions, stating that they had sparked new hope and captured the hearts of people across the nation.
During his address, PM Modi also seized the moment to highlight a significant health issue — obesity. Referring to discussions at the National Games inaugural ceremony in Dehradun, he stressed the urgent need to confront the rising obesity epidemic in India. Citing statistics from the World Health Organization, he alerted that one in every eight individuals is currently impacted by obesity, with cases having doubled in recent years.
What is more concerning, he observed, is that childhood obesity has surged fourfold.
He pointed out that excess weight leads to various health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. However, he reassured that this challenge can be tackled with small yet impactful changes. To support this initiative, he invited Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, renowned boxer Nikhat Zareen, and distinguished cardiologist Dr. Devi Shetty to share valuable insights and strategies for combating obesity.
The Prime Minister also encouraged citizens to embrace healthier eating habits, particularly by reducing oil consumption in their diets. He stressed that making thoughtful dietary decisions is not merely a personal choice but a collective duty towards family and society.
He urged individuals to implement small but meaningful lifestyle changes to ensure a healthier, fitter, and disease-free future.
"Using lesser oil in food and addressing obesity is not just a personal choice but also our responsibility towards the family. Excessive consumption of oil in food can lead to numerous diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension," he said.
"By adopting minor adjustments in our eating habits, we can create a stronger, fitter, and disease-free future. Therefore, without delay, we must enhance our efforts in this direction and incorporate them into our lives. We can all achieve this together in a very enjoyable and effective manner," he concluded.
