Lucknow: The grand conclusion of the International Women’s Day Week, marked by a Fitness Rally and Fitness Week, was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Navayuga Girls’ College, Lucknow. The event was organized by the Department of Physical Education and the National Service Scheme (NSS) team in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India, Lucknow.
Inauguration of the Fitness Rally
The ceremony commenced with the college principal, Professor Manjula Upadhyay, flagging off the Fitness Rally. Over 100 students actively participated in the rally, which began at Navayuga College and covered Rajendra Nagar, Naka Police Station, Rakabganj Road, before culminating back at the college premises.
Keynote Addresses by Guests of Honor
The event was graced by the presence of Manish Kumar, Assistant Director of the Sports Authority of India, Lucknow, as the chief guest, and social worker and former judo player Varsha Verma as the special guest.
Manish Kumar highlighted the significance of sports and health education, emphasizing that an athlete makes numerous sacrifices for their country. He remarked, “When an athlete wins a medal at the international level, it is not only a personal achievement but also a moment of pride for the entire nation.” He encouraged students to incorporate sports and yoga into their daily lives.
Varsha Verma, in her address, focused on women’s safety and self-reliance. She provided detailed information about various women’s helpline numbers, including 1090 (Women Helpline), 1092, and 118, as well as domestic violence assistance centers. She motivated students to enhance their self-defense skills and awareness.
Principal’s Inspiring Message
Professor Manjula Upadhyay congratulated everyone on the successful organization of the event. She stated, “Women are not weak; they just need to recognize their strength. They should be aware of their career goals, interests, and health to become self-reliant.” She also advised students to make better use of library resources instead of spending unnecessary time on mobile phones and emphasized the importance of dedication and hard work in shaping their futures.
Honoring Fitness Trainers and Mentors
During the event, distinguished trainers and mentors who contributed to the Fitness Week were honored, including:
- Zumba Trainer – Avindrar Likhari
- Martial Arts Trainer – Sudhir Kumar Sharma
- Yoga Expert – Prashant Shukla
- SAI Team Representative – Parvika Verma
Additionally, the team from Prayag Arogyam Kendra presented a captivating demonstration of yoga asanas, promoting awareness of fitness and yoga among attendees. Certificates were distributed to students who actively participated in the week-long fitness program.
Successful Organization & Conclusion
The event was efficiently organized and conducted by the Head of the Physical Education Department, Prof. Seema Pandey. NSS Program Officers Dr. Chandan Maurya and Dr. Manisha Badouniya graced the occasion with their presence.
Among the faculty members present were Prof. Seema Sarkar, Dr. Anjula Kumari, Dr. Bhavana, Prof. Alka Singh, Diksha Yadav, and Neha Pandey, along with a large number of students. Former student Mahima Chaudhary and yoga trainers from Prayag Arogyam Kendra, including Jyoti, Pooja, Kusum, Aditi, and Naveen Ji, also contributed to the event’s success.
The event concluded with the singing of the national anthem.
This grand celebration of International Women’s Day Week instilled a new sense of energy and awareness among students, encouraging them towards health, fitness, and self-reliance.
