Fitness Revolution Transforms India

"Igniting Collective Goodness," Mann Ki Baat@100 charms the reader more and more as the book continues. In Chapter 12, "Towards a Healthy and Fit India," references Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal fitness routine of morning yoga and his willingness to share that discipline via a fitness video. "Truly inspiring!" tweeted Lalit Jalan, a corporate professional after viewing Modi-ji in his morning practice, "If within your 24/7 routine for 365 days, without a day break, you can devote this time, then no one has any excuse." 

As usual, the PM leads by example with quiet personal deeds rather than loud political lip service.

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev echoes these thoughts, "Yoga is the crown jewel in our glorious traditions. It is good for physical as well as mental health. In Narendra Modi, we have a leader who is not hesitant to showcase the power of yoga to the world. He leads from the front. When Narendra Modi talks about yoga on the radio, he is not doing so as the Prime Minister. He is like a fellow citizen urging people to lead a healthier life. It is like a family elder guiding a person. It is great that he has made yoga popular across and outside India."

The ever-practical PM, in Episode 67 of Mann Ki Baat, discussed minor everyday solutions, such as immunity enhancers like the ‘ayurvedic kadha’ as means to maintain health, "My dear countrymen, it is also the season of rains. I had said that the risk of disease arising out of filth increases during this period. Consequently, it leads to overcrowding in the hospitals. I urge you to pay special attention to cleanliness around you and to keep taking immunity enhancers such as ‘ayurvedic kadha’. During the times of the corona pandemic, we must protect ourselves against other diseases. We will have to take complete care so we do not have to frequent hospitals."

Practical reminders, from a practical leader. PM Modi reflects his understanding of all of India, both its strengths and its possibilities, and its capacity for change through the mobilisation of its people.

The Prime Minister continues in Episode 86, "Friends, in the last seven years, much attention has been paid to promoting Ayurveda in the country. The formation of the Ministry of AYUSH has further strengthened our resolve to popularise our traditional methods of medicine and health. I am very happy that in the last few years, many new startups have emerged in the field of Ayurveda."

In the radio programme aired in September 2021, PM Modi discussed the Ministry of Ayush’s programme to increase children’s awareness regarding medicinal plants and herbs. Through cartoons and short stories, the usefulness of Aloe vera, tulsi, amla, giloy, neem, ashwagandha, and brahmi were explained.

The PM elaborated, "Friends, in the current context, growing popularity of medicinal plants and herbal products, India has immense potential. In the past, there has been a significant increase in the export of Ayurvedic and herbal products. I urge scientists, researchers, and people associated with the startup world to pay attention to such products, which will not only increase the wellness and immunity of the people but also help increase the income of our farmers and youth."

"I am happy that in the era of evidence-based medicine, Yoga and Ayurveda are standing up to the tough stone of tests of the modern era," PM Modi Mann Ki Baat.

Similar confidence has been created, per "Igniting Collective Goodness," by the creation of Ayushman Yojana (Insurance for low-income households. Roughly 50% of the Indian population qualifies for this wildly successful programme.) "When the poor come home healthy, with free treatment, they feel they have a new life. They feel confident that the country stands by them," Narendra Modi Mann Ki Baat, "Igniting Collective Goodness," chapter 12.

Ayushman Yojana is the world’s largest healthcare programme.