Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a nationwide campaign to combat obesity and promote healthier dietary habits, nominating ten prominent figures, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to lead the initiative. The campaign primarily focuses on raising awareness about the harmful effects of excessive edible oil consumption and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices among citizens.
Among the ten nominees, industrialist and Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra has also been enlisted to play a key role in spreading the message. The initiative seeks to leverage the influence of public figures to create widespread awareness and inspire people to adopt healthier eating habits.
PM Modi emphasized the importance of collective participation in addressing the rising obesity crisis, urging each nominee to further nominate ten more individuals to expand the movement.
“I also request them to nominate 10 people each so that our movement gains momentum,” PM Modi stated in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
The campaign is expected to gain traction across various sectors, with participation from political leaders, industry heads, health experts, and celebrities. Experts suggest that obesity is a growing health concern in India, contributing to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart ailments. By focusing on dietary habits, particularly the reduction of excessive edible oil consumption, the initiative aims to encourage people to make informed choices for better health.
In Jammu and Kashmir, where lifestyle diseases are increasingly prevalent, the involvement of CM Omar Abdullah in the initiative could help amplify the message. The state government may integrate the campaign with existing health and wellness programs to ensure wider public participation.
As the nominated individuals begin selecting their own set of ten participants, the campaign is expected to create a cascading effect, reaching millions across the country and reinforcing the message of healthy living.(DD)