Under the Fit India Movement, launched by Prime Minister in 2019, Sri Sri Aniruddhadeva Sports University (SASU) in Dibrugarh, Assam, hosted the national-level campaign ‘Pedal to Plant 2025’ led by para-cyclist and mountaineer Nisha Kumari. 

• The initiative combines cycling, recycling, and plantation drives to promote fitness and environmental awareness.

About the Event

• ‘Pedal to Plant 2025’, organized under the theme ‘Change Before Climate Change’, began at Pangsau, Arunachal Pradesh, and will conclude at Mundra, Gujarat, covering over 4,000 km across India.
• The expedition commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and aims to plant 1,00,000 saplings along the route.
• The 60-day campaign features 10 core cyclists supported by a logistics team and includes awareness drives in schools, colleges, and communities.
• At SASU, the event was jointly facilitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and coordinated by Registrar Pankaj Borthakur, involving students, researchers, and faculty members in interactive and plantation activities.

About Sri Sri Aniruddhadeva Sports University (SASU)

• Established: 2019 by the Government of Assam through the Sri Sri Aniruddhadeva Sports University Act, 2018.
• Named After: Great Vaishnava saint who was a social reformer in Assam during the medieval period.
• Jai Prakash Verma took charge as the first vice-chancellor of the university.
• Location: Chabua, Dibrugarh, Assam.
• Objective: To promote sports education, research, and training in the northeastern region and build human resource capacity in physical education and sports sciences.
• Affiliation: The university functions under the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, with support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
• Significance: It is the first dedicated sports university in Northeast India, envisioned to serve as a centre of excellence for sports training and academic development.
  

Exam Hook – UPSC Prelims Question

Consider the following statements about Sri Sri Aniruddhadeva Sports University (SASU):

1. It is the first dedicated sports university in Northeast India.
   
2. It was established by an Act of the Assam Legislative Assembly in 2018.
   
3. The university functions under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
   

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

One-line wrap:
By hosting the Pedal to Plant 2025 campaign, Sri Sri Aniruddhadeva Sports University reaffirmed its mission — blending sports, sustainability, and social awareness for a fitter and greener India.

SOURCE