Mentioned twice in PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat', this MS Dhoni-backed fitness startup earning praises for merging tradition with modernity

Tagda Raho, a fitness startup based out of Bengaluru, once again in the spotlight on PM Modi’s 'Mann Ki Baat'. This marks the second time the Prime Minister has recognised and lauded Tagda Raho’s efforts to revive India’s traditional fitness systems with modern applications. The first mention came on December 31, 2023, and this latest spotlight reaffirms the growing national and cultural relevance of the movement they’re building.

What did PM Modi say about the startup?

In his recent address, PM Modi highlighted how Tagda Raho is blending time-tested Indian strength tools like the Gada, Mudgar, and Vajra with modern training approaches, making them accessible to today’s youth, senior citizens, athletes, and fitness communities in India and around the world.

What does Tagda Raho do?

Bangaluru-based Tagda Raho was started in 2020 by Rishabh Malhotra. The startup is backed by Indian cricketer MS Dhoni. From being invited by the Indian Army Special Forces to design and lead a specialised strength and conditioning capsule, to receiving support from cricketing legend MS Dhoni, Tagda Raho has grown into a movement rooted in heritage.

The company's sells its handcrafted equipment to Canada, the US, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Spain, Dubai, and the UK.

Malhotra, while discussing the idea behind the startup's name, stated that 'Tagda Raho' is used as a salutation in the Assam Regiment, similar to how officers and soldiers greet each other within that unit. Instead of saying hello or namaste, they say 'Tagda Raho' to each other when they meet. This concept comes from there.

“To be recognised once again by the Prime Minister is not just a personal honour, it’s a powerful validation of our mission to revive India’s traditional strength systems for the world. Tagda Raho was born from a place of healing, and today it represents a legacy which has been delivering strength for centuries. We didn’t invent this, we just refused to forget it. We’re proud to carry this tradition forward, in a way that speaks to both modern athletes and everyday seekers of strength.” said Malhotra.