GVMC’s ‘Happy Sunday’ turns city into a giant activity hub

Visakhapatnam: As per the orders and guidelines issued by the municipal administration and urban development department, "Happy Sunday" programmes were conducted across all zones of Visakhapatnam city on Sunday. GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg said that a large number of citizens, residents' welfare associations, students, senior citizens, and public representatives actively and enthusiastically participated in the programmes. "The state government has issued orders and guidelines to implement "Happy Sunday" as a voluntary, community-driven urban engagement movement in all urban local bodies across the state. The programme has been launched with the objective of promoting citizens' well-being in urban areas, strengthening neighbourhood bonding, encouraging a healthy lifestyle, and enhancing the positive use of public spaces," said Garg. The programme is to be conducted on the second and fourth Sundays of every month with the participation of citizens, RWAs, students, social organisations, senior citizens, and women. Activities include yoga, meditation, physical exercises, group walking, jogging, cycling, fitness sessions, creative classes, recreational sports, games, music, dance, and family bonding activities. The "Happy Sunday" programmes were conducted in various zones as follows: Bheemunipatnam Zone – volleyball at Thotaveedhi and yoga at Madhurawada; East Zone – karate, yoga, and Swachh Pledge; West Zone (APSCB Colony) – yoga; South Zone – yoga; Pendurthi – karate, yoga, and meetings with senior citizens; Gajuwaka – karate and yoga; Aganampudi – cultural programmes and dances; and Anakapalli – skating, yoga, games, and songs. The commissioner added that organising "Happy Sunday" programmes in parks, community halls, beaches, and other public spaces across all zones will help maintain cleanliness and protect the environment in these areas. These programmes also foster community bonding among citizens, strengthen family relationships, encourage students to actively participate in sports and cultural activities, and create greater awareness about cleanliness among the public, said Garg.