New Delhi (India): As people across the nation took time to take part in a cleanliness drive on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also participated in the Swach Bharat campaign. His one was special as he blended cleanliness with fitness.
Prime Minister Modi met social media sensation Ankit Baiyanpuriya, who had started a 75-day hard challenge to imbibe the culture of fitness among the youth.
They discussed fitness and cleanliness as they participated in the Swachh Bharat initiative, a video released by PM Modi on his X timeline showed.
Ankit has garnered 4.9 million followers on his Instagram profile.
“Today, as the nation focuses on Swachhata, Ankit Baiyanpuriya and I did the same! Beyond just cleanliness, we blended fitness and well-being also into the mix. It is all about that Swachh and Swasth Bharat vibe!” the video captioned.
The video starts with PM Modi saying Ankit “I will learn something from you today.” How will Swachhata Abhiyan help fitness, PM Modi asked Ankit.
“Keeping the environment clean is our duty. If the environment remains healthy then we too will,” Ankit replied to PM Modi.
PM Modi also asked how was the awareness regarding cleanliness back in his village in Sonipat. He says people are more aware now towards cleanliness.
PM Modi has said Swachh Bharat is the collective responsibility of all citizens of the country and that public participation is very important in this direction. He had asked everyone to take out an hour on Sunday at 10 am to maintain cleanliness and help build a brighter future for the country.
In the video which lasted 281 seconds, PM Modi went on to ask Ankit how much time he dedicated towards physical activities, to which he said 4-5 hours.
"I get motivated seeing you exercise,” Ankit told PM Modi. PM Modi then says "I don’t do much exercise. I do sufficient exercise that is needed to accomplish my day-to-day activities.”
"I follow discipline. There are two aspects of my life where I am not disciplined. One, the timing of meal. Second, I should give more time on sleep but I am unable to,” PM Modi continued.
PM Modi praised Ankit and said he noticed many youths are following his activities on social media. Ankit also praised PM Modi for promoting sports and standing with the sportpersons.
"I was a sportsperson but I am away from sports now due to some injury. I saw you personally calling sportspersons when they win medals. Fit India and Khelo India initiatives are motivating athletes,” Ankit said.
Finally, PM Modi asked Ankit what was his 75-day challenge.
"I follow five rules. First, I workout two times a day, one indoor and other outdoor. Both outdoor is also fine. Next, I drink four litres of water. Read 10 pages of any book. First, I studied Srimad Bhagavat, now I am reading Shiva Puran. Fourth, I follow a strict diet. Lastly, I take a selfie to document the progression in me,” Ankit said.
As per reports, Ankit Baiyanpuria started his 75-hard challenge on June 28, 2023, and finally completed this gruelling challenge on September 11, 2023. He used to put an Instagram video each day during the course of his 75-day challenge.
—ANI