Anand Mahindra, Omar Abdullah among 'Fitter India' ambassadors handpicked by PM Modi
Highlighting the alarming surge in obesity, Modi's campaign is targeted at leading healthy lifestyles
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a high-profile campaign to combat India’s rising obesity crisis, nominating ten influential figures from entertainment, sports, politics, and business to lead the charge. The initiative, announced a day after his monthly "Mann Ki Baat" radio address, aims to raise awareness about healthier lifestyles and encourage a 10 per cent reduction in edible oil consumption nationwide. The campaign is already gaining traction as these celebrities step into the spotlight to promote a fitter India.
In his Sunday broadcast, Modi highlighted the alarming surge in obesity, noting that cases have doubled in recent years, with childhood obesity increasing fourfold. “One in every eight Indians is struggling with obesity,” he said, citing World Health Organisation data showing 250 crore people globally were overweight in 2022. To tackle this growing health challenge, Modi proposed a simple yet impactful solution: reducing household oil use by 10 per cent and inspiring others to follow suit. “Small changes in our eating habits can make our future stronger, fitter, and disease-free,” he urged, kicking off a movement he hopes will ripple across the nation.
To amplify the message, Modi handpicked a diverse group of ambassadors, blending star power with credibility. From the entertainment industry, he nominated Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal, Bollywood actor-filmmaker R. Madhavan, Bhojpuri singer-actor Dinesh Lal Yadav (known as Nirahua), and renowned playback singer Shreya Ghoshal. These celebrities bring massive followings and cultural influence, making them ideal messengers for a health-focused campaign.
Mohanlal, a 64-year-old Padma Bhushan awardee and one of India’s finest actors, is no stranger to fitness, often sharing glimpses of his workout routines online. His involvement adds gravitas to the initiative, especially with his upcoming project, Drishyam 3, set to begin production this year. R. Madhavan, 54, who underwent a dramatic weight loss after bulking up for his National Award-winning film Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, brings personal experience to the table. “I thank the Honorable Prime Minister for launching this essential awareness program,” Madhavan posted on X, nominating ten others to join the cause.
Shreya Ghoshal, 40, a five-time National Film Award winner with a voice that resonates across generations, can leverage her musical platform to promote diet and exercise. Meanwhile, Nirahua, a Bhojpuri superstar and BJP leader, connects with millions in India’s heartland, offering a grassroots boost to the campaign.
Beyond entertainment, Modi tapped sports icons like Olympic medalists Manu Bhaker, a 22-year-old shooting champion, and Mirabai Chanu, a 30-year-old weightlifter, to underscore the importance of physical fitness. Bhaker, a Padma Shri recipient, wrote on X, “Elated to be nominated by PM to spread awareness in the fight against obesity. Small changes can lead to a huge transformation.” Chanu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing discipline and daily activity as key to a healthier India.
The list also includes political and business heavyweights: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, industrialists Anand Mahindra and Nandan Nilekani, and philanthropist-author Sudha Murty. Abdullah, 54, a fitness enthusiast who recently ran a half-marathon, expressed gratitude for his inclusion, nominating figures like Sania Mirza and Deepika Padukone to expand the movement. Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, linked the campaign to economic benefits, noting that cutting oil imports could save resources while improving health. Nilekani, Infosys co-founder, and Murty, a Rajya Sabha MP, bring intellectual and social heft, with Murty nominating luminaries like P.T. Usha and Anil Kumble.
Modi’s strategy is clear: harness the nominees’ influence to create a domino effect. “I request them to nominate 10 people each so that our movement gets bigger,” he posted on X, sharing a graphic of the ten ambassadors. Early responses suggest success—nominees are already rallying others, from actors like Anil Kapoor to athletes like P.V. Sindhu, turning the campaign into a nationwide conversation.
The initiative has sparked enthusiasm, with supporters like actor Akshay Kumar and boxer Vijender Singh praising Modi’s focus on health during recent events. As India grapples with lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart disease, exacerbated by high oil consumption and sedentary habits, this celebrity-driven push could mark a turning point. With Mohanlal’s gravitas, Madhavan’s relatability, Ghoshal’s reach, and Nirahua’s regional pull, alongside the broader team, Modi’s anti-obesity drive is poised to inspire millions to take small steps toward a healthier future.
