Pics: Jeevan D’Costa
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jul 16: Divine Fitness, a unisex gym, was inaugurated at Shankar Building on July 14.
The gym's ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by Leena Fernandes, wife of Wilson Fernandes. The event was graced by Fr Vijay Joyson D’Souza, principal of St Mary’s English Medium School, Kannarpady, Udupi; K Raghupati Bhat, former MLA; Mattar Ratnakar Hegde, former president of the Coastal Development Authority; K P Jagadish Adhikari; Valentine D’Souza, retired DYSP; and Karnire Vishwanath Shetty.
Fr Vijay Joyson D’Souza, assistant parish priest at Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, blessed the gym with a prayer and holy water. He remarked, “I am happy to have this opportunity. After the COVID-19 wave, we have become more aware of our health. I extend my best wishes to all members of the gym.”
Valentine D’Souza, a bodybuilder and retired DySP from Karwar, highlighted the necessity of a gym in Udupi. He said, “My gym journey started here in Udupi. There was a need for a good gym in the heart of Udupi city, and Wilson has made it possible.”
D’Souza also expressed concern over modern youths' habits, stating, “Nowadays, youngsters start practicing bad habits. There is a need for a gym to bring them out of such habits. I hope they will utilize it. There are many benefits from going to the gym. By exercising daily, we can stay youthful forever. Some hospitals have gyms for muscle gain and bone strengthening. There is no age limit to start exercising at the gym. After a break, I have started exercising again.”
Mattar Rathnakar Hegde, an advocate and former Coastal Development Authority official of Karnataka, stressed the role of exercise in combating depression. He said, “In this mechanical life, where we are busy with technology and machines, taking care of health is important. Today, because everyone is busy using technology for various purposes, they go into depression. To come out of that, people start taking drugs. For this, exercise is the best solution.”
Hegde also praised Wilson Fernandes, saying, “Fernandes is a successful businessman. He created employment for people all over the world. I wish him all the best.”
Karnire Vishwanath Shetty, vice president of the World Bunt’s Federation, commended Wilson Fernandes for his entrepreneurial success and contribution to providing employment, highlighting the gym’s role in promoting fitness.
K P Jagadeesh Adhikari, a BJP leader, shared his personal experience of using exercise to improve health, particularly in managing his lung problem. “Health is the biggest asset given to us. I wish for the future success of the gym and organization,” he said.
Wilson Fernandes, managing director of Divine Fitness unisex gym, welcomed the gathering. Ida Fernandes, Manager of the Fernandes Group Kemmannu branch, proposed the vote of thanks. Steven Colaco was the master of ceremonies.
About Divine Fitness
Divine Fitness, managed by the Fernandes Group, aims to promote health and wellness with qualified trainers and essential amenities like air conditioning, drinking water facilities, and restrooms. The gym features workout mirrors positioned on all walls, providing gym-goers with visual feedback to ensure correct form during exercise.
The gym boasts a variety of equipment such as a chest press machine, seated dip machine, chest fly machine, bench press, arm curl machine, triceps press machine, triceps extension machine, lat pulldown machine, core training machine, and leg training fitness machine. Additionally, it offers dumbbells (fixed and adjustable), barbells, Olympic barbells, treadmills, weight benches, leg curl machines, leg extension machines, elliptical machines, climbers, and other equipment catering to comprehensive fitness needs.
About Fernandes Group
Wilson Fernandes established the Fernandes Group in 1983. Over the past 30 years, the organization has earned recognition from the Government of India. Through his initiative, Wilson Fernandes has provided employment for over 100,000 youths across various global locations, significantly impacting families by providing stable employment. The Fernandes Group has provided jobs for over 6,000 individuals in Israel and currently operates nine branches across nine states in India.
Contact:
Divine Fitness Gym
3rd Floor, Shankar Building,
Mosque Road, Udupi – 576101
Contact: +91 96866 75463, +91 98190 44376