Media Release
Udupi, Sep 6: “Physical and mental fitness should go hand in hand. Yout are the future of India. Fifty percent of the Indian population is below the age 25 years. Naturally, they will go run the country. Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) will give all the facilities to enhance the students’ abilities. We give a lot of importance for academic activities. Students should make sure that they focus on studies. Meanwhile, they should participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. It will help in the overall development of personality. MAHE has a large indoor stadium to keep pupil fit and active,” said Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor, MAHE at the event ‘Fit Raho Udupi’ a 75-km marathon across Udupi.
Ballal flagged off the two-day event at Manipal on Monday September 6.
Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, vice chancellor, MAHE addressing the occasion said, “The marathon is organized on the occasion of the 75th year of our country’s independence. We need to be strong and fit. It will assure a fit and healthy nation. Every citizen of India should invest a reasonable time in a day for keeping oneself fit. MAHE has planned a lot of programmes till October 2. The nation can only be built by youth in India today. Youth form a significant proportion of the population and they are leading the country towards excellence in all fields. The theme of the marathon will inspire local and rural people.”
K Raghupati Bhat, MLA, Udupi said, “The marathon is organized in order to support fitness movement, a call given by Prime Minister Modi ‘Fit India’. At least half an hour in a day, we need to do exercise to keep ourselves fit and healthy.”
Fit India is a nationwide programme, a call given by the government of India during the month of August 2019, to commemorate the 75th year of Indian Independence and to resolve for a fit and healthy India which can make India stronger.
Now, extending the initiative outside the campus, MAHE has collaborated with ‘Team Nation First’ of Udupi to reach out to the community and spread awareness about the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals, which is ‘Fit Raho Udupi’.
The marathon began from Clock Tower and went through Krishna Math, Venugopal temple, MGM, Diana, Korangrapady junction, Kinnimulky junction, Udyavara circle, Katpady bus stand, Mattu beach, Pandarinatha Bhajana Mandira and Balanjaneya Bhajana Mandira on the first day.
Hundreds of students participated in the 75-km long marathon.
Prakash Rao, major of Team Nation First, and Mahesh Takhoor, president, town BJP, were present.