IIM Jammu organizes Fit India Freedom Run 6.0 and Debate Competition Promoting Swachchhta and Swasthya

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu, under the leadership of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, organized the Fit India Freedom Run 6.0 on 31st October 2025, marking the culmination of the nationwide Fit India Freedom Run campaign led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The initiative is part of the Fit India Mission launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aimed at inspiring citizens to adopt fitness as a way of life.

The theme for this year’s edition was Swachchhta and Swasthya (Cleanliness and Health), highlighting the importance of fitness and hygiene as twin pillars of a healthy nation.The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 180 individuals, including students, faculty, officers, and staff of the Institute.

The Fit India Freedom Run 6.0, initiated in 2020 aims to inspire citizens to adopt walking and running as daily habits for better health and fitness. This year’s edition, observed from 2nd October to 31st October 2025, concluded with a Unity Run on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, symbolizing national unity and collective strength.

Present on the occasion were Dr. Harsha Jariwala, Co-Chairperson, Student Affairs; Prof. Brigadier Neeraj Soni (Retd.), Co-Chairperson, Anandam; Prof. P. P. Maheshwari, Professor of Practice; Prof. Vinod Durge, Professor of Practice; and Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran (R), Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu, along with other faculty, officers, and staff of IIM Jammu.

The Unity Run inside the IIM Jammu Jagti Campus witnessed massive participation from faculty members, officers, staff, and students at the institute, reflecting a strong spirit of enthusiasm, togetherness, and commitment to the ideals of fitness and cleanliness. Participants actively took part in the event, resonating with the theme of “Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat,” and pledged to continue contributing towards a healthier and cleaner India.

Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, emphasized that physical fitness and cleanliness are essential pillars of a progressive and resilient society, forming the foundation of holistic development for every individual. He stated that initiatives like the Fit India Freedom Run not only promote discipline, endurance, and unity but also inspire citizens to take collective responsibility for their health and surroundings. He highlighted that the theme Swachchhta and Swasthya (Cleanliness and Health) truly resonates with the vision of Shri Narendra Modi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, who has consistently championed a clean, fit, and self-reliant Bharat. He reiterated that IIM Jammu remains deeply committed to fostering a culture of physical well-being, emotional balance, and social responsibility through such national initiatives, which reflect the Institute’s core values of excellence, integrity, and service to the nation.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, mentioned that the Fit India Freedom Run reflects the Institute’s strong commitment to nurturing disciplined, energetic, and socially responsible youth who can contribute meaningfully to nation-building. He emphasized that such initiatives inspire students to integrate physical fitness and moral strength into their daily lives, reinforcing the Institute’s vision of producing future leaders grounded in values of integrity, responsibility, and excellence.

Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, stated that the Fit India Freedom Run is a meaningful and transformative initiative that embodies the spirit of a healthy and progressive nation. He added that by promoting the habit of fitness, the event instils qualities such as perseverance, teamwork, and self-discipline among participants, which are essential for holistic personal and professional growth.

Dr. Harsha Jariwala, Co-Chairperson, Student Affairs, IIM Jammu, remarked that the Fit India Freedom Run encourages students to cultivate healthy habits and a sense of collective responsibility. She mentioned that such initiatives strengthen community bonds, promote mental well-being, and inspire young minds to lead by example in embracing active and balanced lifestyles, both on campus and beyond.

As part of the day-long celebration, a Debate Competition was also organized in the evening on topics related to national unity, cleanliness, fitness, and civic sense. The event aimed to foster critical thinking and public engagement among students while inspiring them to contribute constructively towards nation-building. The debate witnessed spirited participation, reflecting the students’ awareness and commitment to social responsibility.

The Fit India Freedom Run 6.0 at IIM Jammu exemplified the Institute’s dedication to promoting a culture of health, fitness, and social awareness in alignment with the broader goals of the Fit India Mission. The entire event was coordinated and executed by the Student Affairs Office, IIM Jammu.