‘Very Happy’: Omar Abdullah, Anand Mahindra, R Madhavan Join PM Modi’s Anti-Obesity Campaign

Last Updated:February 24, 2025, 14:20 IST

Omar Abdullah joined PM Modi’s campaign against obesity, expressing happiness and emphasising the importance of tackling obesity for better public health.

Omar Abdullah, Anand Mahindra, R Madhavan | File Images/X

#FightObesity Campaign: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign against obesity, expressing happiness and emphasising the importance of tackling obesity for better public health.

It comes after PM Modi nominated ten prominent personalities from the fields of politics, sports, business and entertainment, including CM Omar Abdullah, Anand Mahindra and R Madhavan, to join his efforts to combat obesity in the country.

“As mentioned in yesterday’s #MannKiBaat, I would like to nominate the following people to help strengthen the fight against obesity and spread awareness on reducing edible oil consumption in food. I also request them to nominate 10 people each so that our movement gets bigger! @anandmahindra @nirahua1 @realmanubhaker @mirabai_chanu @Mohanlal @NandanNilekani @OmarAbdullah @ActorMadhavan @shreyaghoshal @SmtSudhaMurty “Collectively, let us make India fitter and healthier. #FightObesity,” PM Modi said on his official X handle.

Replying to the X post, Abdullah further nominated ten more people to spread awareness about obesity.

“I’m very happy to join the campaign against obesity launched by PM @narendramodi ji. Obesity causes a number of lifestyle-related health issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes & breathing problems not to mention mental health conditions like anxiety & depression. Today I’m nominating these 10 people to join the PM’s campaign against obesity & requesting them to nominate a further 10 people each to take this fight forward,” the CM posted on X.

Omar Abdullah, a fitness enthusiast, is well-deserving of his spot among public figures passionate about physical fitness. Last year, during a marathon in Srinagar, he surprised many by joining the race and running alongside top athletes from across the country and beyond.

Anand Mahindra, R Madhavan Join Campaign 

Besides Abdullah, industrialist Anand Mahindra and actor R Madhavan also expressed support for Prime Minister Modi’s #FightObesity campaign. Both praised the initiative and nominated 10 more individuals to join the movement, further spreading awareness about the importance of combating obesity for better health.

Thanking PM Modi for his call to action, Anand Mahindra said, “To achieve the mission of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, we not only need a strong economy but a healthy population as well… Making small changes, like using even 10% less cooking oil can build up to big contributions; be it to your well-being, to your wallet, or to a healthier world.”

Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, is an ideal pick for promoting health, as he incorporates varied fitness activities in his daily routine that includes cardio, weight training, and yoga. Additionally, he practices meditation every morning, further emphasising his commitment to personal well-being.

R Madhavan also expressed his gratitude to PM Modi for launching the essential and impactful awareness program aimed at inspiring the nation toward better health and for making him part of the nationwide initiative.

Notably, a campaign against obesity in India was a need of the moment due to the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

With increasing urbanisation and unhealthy eating habits, this initiative aims to raise awareness, promote healthier lifestyles, and reduce the burden of obesity on public health.