Health is wealth and no one knows it better than Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga who on Sunday appealed to people to exercise in order to stay fit and make use of the lockdown period.
While the nation reels under coronavirus pandemic, he said taking part in physical activities that boost immunity and strengthen willpower.
The 75-year-old three-time chief minister said he exercises at least half-an-hour every day at his bungalow during the lockdown to stay healthy.
In a widely circulated video, the chief minister was seen donning sportswear and walking on a treadmill.
An official statement said the state sports and youth services department has embarked on a drive to ensure fitness sessions at every home during the 21-day lockdown.
Mizoram launched “FitMizoram Movement” on March 22 last year, five months before Prime Minister Narendra launched nationwide “FitIndia movement”.
Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, who too is staying indoors, encourages the fitness movement by exercising inside Raj Bhavan, the statement said.
Sources said photo of the governor doing yoga that recently went viral on social media has inspired many a fitness buff.
State sports minister Robert Romawia Royte is also exercising during the 21-day lockdown to stay fit.
“We want all the sportspersons to keep their fitness intact. We appeal to people in general to stay fit during the lockdown. Everyone can exercise for at least half-an-hour every day at their homes. Mizoram will show the world that the lockdown necessitated by the outbreak of Covid-19 can make people stay fit and healthy,” Royte added. Other ministers, legislators, political leaders, sportspersons and individuals are also exercising.
The official statement said famous sportspersons like hockey star Lalremsiami, weight-lifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga besides boxers Lalrinsanga Tlau and NT Biakkima, also joined the fitness campaign.
Striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, defender Jerry Rinzuala of Aizawl Football Club and their captain Alfred Jaryan are among the sportspersons, who joined the campaign, the statement said.
Model Emily Chenkual and famous speaker Frederick Lalrindika also backed the government by encouraging people to exercise during the lockdown.
