By Matters India Reporter
Old Goa: The Management and Staff of St. Xavier’s Academy in Old Goa participated in the Fit India Movement, a nationwide campaign for healthy living.
Principal Sister Monica Coelho initiated and motivated the 40 teaching and non-teaching staff to participate in the 5 –km walk on March 20 with the aim to make fitness an integral part of their lives.
“The purpose of the walk was to maintain a mental and physical healthy lifestyle,” explained the member of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. “We have regular exercises and yoga for students and staff in the school every day. We took the program out to conscientize others and to create a public awareness,” she added.
The walk began at the Academy up to Gandhi Circle, Old Goa, and back. A brief Introduction was given by Sister Coelho. Physical Education teacher Abhay Gaonkar stressed the importance of physical well-being and the need for regular exercise to maintain healthy life style.
Later, Father Maverick Fernandes, the manager of St Xavier’s Academy and director of Caritas, Goa, applauded Sister Coelho for organizing the event.
The school provided 40 staff uniform jerseys for the occasion.
The Fit-India movement was initiated by Prime Minister Modi in 2020. It seeks to involve the people into a dialogue about the importance of fitness, and to draw out a plan for making India a Fit Nation. It also aims to draw the citizens together by imbibing fun filled, easy and inexpensive ways.
This is expected to make people physically and mentally fit and bring about behavioral changes that can impact long term health conditions.
In 2020, the movement had organized several events like the Fit India Freedom Run, Plog Run, Cyclothon, Fit India Week and Fit India School Certificate. The events saw the participation of more than 35 million people, said a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.