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Fit India Movement: PM Modi Nominates 10 Celebs to Lead Obesity Awareness

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PM Modi on Fight Obesity
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched an initiative to combat the growing obesity epidemic in India by nominating 10 prominent personalities to lead a nationwide awareness campaign. This move comes in response to alarming statistics that reveal a doubling of obesity cases in recent years, with a particularly concerning fourfold increase among children.

The Chosen Champions

The Prime Minister has nominated representatives from a diverse cross-section of Indian society, including leaders from business, politics, sports, and entertainment. The nominees include:
1. Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group
2. Nandan Nilekani, Infosys co-founder
3. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir
4. Manu Bhaker, Olympic medallist shooter
5. Mirabai Chanu, Olympic medallist weightlifter
6. Mohanlal, actor and producer
7. R Madhavan, actor
8. Shreya Ghoshal, singer
9. Sudha Murty, author, philanthropist, and Rajya Sabha MP
10. Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’, actor and BJP leader
Prime Minister Modi announced the nominations on social media platform X, urging each nominee to further nominate 10 individuals, thereby expanding the reach of this crucial health movement. This chain-nomination strategy aims to create a ripple effect, engaging a broader audience in the fight against obesity and excessive oil consumption in daily diets.

The Urgency of Action

The Prime Minister’s initiative is against the backdrop of the statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO), that reflected that in 2022, approximately 250 crore people worldwide were classified as overweight. In India, the situation is equally dire, with one in eight people now suffering from obesity. PM Modi emphasised that obesity is not merely a personal health issue but a societal concern that demands collective action.
During his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address, the Prime Minister highlighted the link between obesity and severe health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. He stressed that small lifestyle adjustments, particularly in dietary habits, can have a significant impact on overall health. The PM specifically pointed to the excessive use of oil in food preparation as a key contributor to the obesity crisis.
“Using less oil in food and dealing with obesity is not just a personal choice but also our responsibility towards the family,” PM stated, underscoring the broader implications of individual health choices. He encouraged citizens to adopt more mindful eating habits and to view health-conscious decisions as a shared societal responsibility.
As part of this initiative, Modi has also invited other notable personalities, including Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, boxer Nikhat Zareen, and renowned cardiologist Dr Devi Shetty, to share practical insights on managing obesity in future editions of ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
The campaign against obesity aligns with the ongoing Fit India movement, reinforcing the government’s commitment to promoting fitness and well-being across the country. By enlisting the support of influential figures from various sectors, Modi aims to create a mass movement that can effectively address this public health crisis.

Response by Nominees

The nominated celebrities have begun to respond positively to the Prime Minister’s call to action.
Smt Sudha Murthy accepted her nomination and further nominated 10 more individuals.

Actor R. Madhavan also nominated 10 individuals and posted a video on various social media platforms talking about prioritising fitness and healthy eating habits.

Omar Abdullah, CM of Jammu and Kashmir also accepted the invitation of PM to join the campaign and nominated 10 individuals.

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