Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 31 (UNI) Nearly one million people are expected to begin regular physical exercise on New Year’s Day as part of the State Health Department’s popular campaign ‘Arogyam Anandam – Vibe 4 Wellness.’
Health Minister Veena George said the campaign would be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on January 1, 2026, at 11.30 am, with programmes organised in all districts to encourage citizens to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
The inaugural function will also mark the conclusion of a state-wide awareness rally that began in Kasaragod on December 26 and passed through various districts before reaching Thiruvananthapuram. The Health Minister will preside over the event, which will be attended by ministers, public representatives, health workers, celebrities and members of the public.
The campaign forms part of the second phase of the Ardhram Mission, under which the Health Department is implementing 10 major initiatives, with special focus on preventing lifestyle diseases.
As part of the Ardhram health outreach programme, household screenings of people aged above 30 were conducted in two phases, revealing that 34 per cent suffer from hypertension and 24 per cent from diabetes.
Ms George said more than 20 lakh people have already been screened under the cancer prevention campaign ‘Arogyam Anandam – Akattam Arbudam’, launched in two phases beginning February 4, 2025. The ‘Vibe 4 Wellness’ initiative is the next phase, focusing on overall wellness and sustainable healthy habits.
The campaign is built around four key components—healthy diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and preventive healthcare. Citizens are being encouraged to take a health pledge on New Year’s Day and incorporate these practices into daily life.
A wide range of activities promoting healthy habits will be organised across the state, including cycle rallies, group runs and walks, Zumba dance sessions, skating, Kalaripayattu, traditional art forms such as Pulikali and Poorakkali, sports tournaments, healthy cooking workshops, food exhibitions, fitness and yoga training sessions, and flash mobs.
Appealing to the public to actively participate, the Minister urged everyone to make exercise a regular part of life.
