World Health Day: PM Modi Calls for Action Against Obesity, Advocates Fitness for a Developed India
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On World Health Day, PM Narendra Modi urged Indians to adopt healthier lifestyles and combat obesity, emphasizing personal fitness as vital to India's goal of becoming a developed nation. He proposed reducing cooking oil usage by 10% and integrating exercise into daily routines as key steps towards achieving a healthier society.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi emphasizes the fight against obesity.
- Adopting healthier eating habits is a social responsibility.
- Reducing cooking oil by 10% can combat obesity.
- Regular physical activity is essential for health.
- Obesity leads to severe health issues.
New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) On World Health Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the citizens of India to embrace a healthier lifestyle and strive towards a future free from obesity.
He underscored that prioritizing personal fitness is crucial for achieving India’s vision of a developed nation, known as Viksit Bharat.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "On World Health Day, let us recommit ourselves to the goal of building a healthier world. Our Government will continually focus on healthcare and invest in various aspects of public well-being. Good health is the bedrock of any thriving society!"
In a video message, he reiterated the timeless saying that "health is the greatest wealth" while sounding the alarm on India’s escalating obesity crisis.
"Today, our lifestyle poses a significant threat to our health. A recent report indicates that by 2050, over 440 million Indians will grapple with obesity. This is alarming. What a severe crisis this could be!" he remarked.
PM Modi highlighted that adopting better eating habits, such as cutting down on cooking oil, is not merely a personal choice but a social responsibility.
He called for urgent measures to avert this impending crisis, proposing a straightforward commitment: "I urge you all to reduce our cooking oil usage by 10 percent. This will significantly contribute to combating obesity."
He further encouraged individuals to integrate regular physical activity into their daily lives.
"Additionally, we must make exercise an integral part of our lives. Staying fit will greatly aid in our journey toward Viksit Bharat," he stated.
The Prime Minister has been a consistent advocate against obesity and related health issues.
During an episode of his monthly radio show 'Mann Ki Baat', he celebrated India's progress in the global sports arena while emphasizing the need for a healthy lifestyle.
In his address, he cited concerning health trends, referencing WHO data that reveals the increasing rates of obesity in India.
"One in every eight individuals in India suffers from obesity," he noted, pointing out that the rates have doubled in recent years and childhood obesity has increased fourfold.
PM Modi cautioned that obesity is linked to serious health complications such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. However, he maintained that minor yet impactful changes in lifestyle can significantly reduce these risks.
To promote this message, PM Modi invited ten notable figures to participate in a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness about obesity and encouraging healthy eating.
Those invited included Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, industrialist Anand Mahindra, actor-politician Dinesh Lal Yadav (alias Nirahua), Olympic medalists Manu Bhaker and Mirabai Chanu, actors Mohanlal and R. Madhavan, singer Shreya Ghoshal, philanthropist and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murthy, and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.
He encouraged each of them to nominate ten more individuals to amplify the movement's outreach and societal impact.
