GETTING IN SHAPE AT THE RAILWAY STATION
Indian Railways recently installed a squat machine at Delhi’s Anand Vihar railway station. Anyone who can do 30 squats in 180 seconds receives a free platform ticket, saving Rs. 10.
“Savings along with fitness,” tweeted Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, sharing a video of a young man performing squats at the railway station. “To encourage fitness, a unique experiment has been on at Delhi’s Anand Vihar railway station.”
The squat machine is part of a larger program to promote fitness in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off the “Fit India” movement at Indira Gandhi Stadium last August, hoping to encourage people to make physical activities and sports a vital part of their daily routines. What better way to do this than to give people an incentive, such as a free platform ticket, to do some exercise at the railway station.
In a few years, you may find incentive-based exercise programs at various places. Just going on a single flight could give you numerous opportunities to show off your fitness.
Just as you arrive at the airport, you will hear an announcement: “Anyone who can lift their luggage above their heads will be escorted through security like a VIP.”
At the boarding gate, you will see a sign: “Do 20 squats in 60 seconds and be the first to board the plane.”
Inside the plane, the pilot will make an announcement: “Any passenger who can touch their toes without bending their knees will receive a free shot of whiskey from the liquor cart and be allowed to recline their seats fully.”
Compiled and partly written by Indian humorist MELVIN DURAI, author of the novel Bala Takes the Plunge.
[Comments? Contributions? We would love to hear from you about Chai Time. If you have contributions, please email us at melvin@melvindurai.com. We welcome jokes, quotes, online clips, and more.]
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