Bhartiyam

BHARTIYAM is the distinctly Indian form of SPARTAKIAD, the popular mass gymnastic of USSR, GDR and Romania. Rich in content and character, this national activity was introduced at the time of Nehru Centenary Celebration 1989. Aiming at a FIT, YOUNG AND STRONG INDIA, it stirred a fitness consciousness among the people.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) developed Bhartiyam with the help of specialists/experts and choreographers from USSR, GDR and Bulgaria. These experts and choreographers trained various trainers from around the country who in turn trained thousands of teachers from different parts of the country. These teachers in turn trained students in their respective schools.

Special music and choreographic support was given by experts of high caliber from the country and technical guidance was provided by Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education, Gwalior (M.P.).  Thus was created Bhartiyam – the unanimous fitness culture for the Indian youth.

Bharatiyam activities consists of physical exercises, gymnastic, yogasanas, calisthenics, mass formations, lezium, poll drill and rope malkham etc.

The special objectives of Bharatiyam are:

a)    Highlighting the importance of physical fitness.

b)    Inculcating sports consciousness in the people.

c)    Demonstrating the spirit of youth.

d)    Promoting emotional and national integration.

First national level display of Bharatiyam was held to mark the year long celebrations of late Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Centenary. It was also a happy reminder of Nehru’s over whelming love for children. On November 14, 1989 on his birthday, 35,000 youth (boys and girls) from 1030 educational institutions of the country gave a display at Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.  In this display 23,000 students were from Delhi itself, 7,500 from different States and Union Territories including 100 students from the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The then Prime Minister of India, Sri Rajiv Gandhi was highly moved by it and adopted it as the national programme. He gave it the name - Bharatiyam.