NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to reduce their sugar intake and cut down on cooking oil by 10 per cent, stressing that small lifestyle changes can help prevent obesity and other health issues.
Addressing the nation during his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister referred to a social media post by content creator Yuvraj Dua, who had requested him to encourage his father to reduce sugar consumption.
“I am happy that my request had a positive impact on his father. I would urge all of you to reduce your sugar intake, and as I have said earlier, we also need to cut down on cooking oil by 10 per cent. These small efforts will keep you away from obesity and lifestyle diseases,” Modi said.
Emphasising fitness, the Prime Minister said there is growing global interest in yoga as the country approaches International Yoga Day. He highlighted the efforts of yoga practitioner Almis Ji, who is promoting yoga through the Arvind Yoga Centre in Djibouti, Africa.
Modi reiterated his message that sports play a vital role in overall development, saying, “The one who plays will blossom,” and expressed satisfaction that more young people are taking up diverse sports.
He lauded athlete Gulveer Singh for his achievement at the New York City Half Marathon, where he finished third and became the first Indian to complete a half-marathon in under one hour.
The Prime Minister also praised squash player Anahat Singh for winning a major international title at the Squash on Fire Open at the age of 17, noting that she is now among the youngest Asian women to break into the top 20 of the Professional Squash Association rankings.
Referring to grassroots initiatives, Modi mentioned the Asmita Athletics League, which saw participation from around two lakh girls during events organised on International Women’s Day.
“It is good to see that the women of India are playing an important role in this sporting transformation taking place in the country,” he added.
