International Yoga Day: CMs Lead Yoga Sessions as Day Celebrated Nationwide

NEW DELHI: The International Day of Yoga, celebrated annually on June 21 since 2015, has gained global recognition. Yoga, a practice originating in ancient India, encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. This year marks the ninth International Day of Yoga, with festivities taking place worldwide.

At the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India will participate in the Yoga Day program. The focus for this year's event is "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam."

In his show called "Mann Ki Baat" on All India Radio, PM Modi has consistently encouraged listeners to embrace yoga for their mental and physical well-being. He highlighted the 21st of June as an excellent opportunity for beginners to start practicing yoga.

In 2014, PM Narendra Modi proposed the idea of an International Day of Yoga in his speech to the UN General Assembly. The proposal received support from 177 nations, leading to the annual celebration of the International Day of Yoga.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution designating June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Since 2015, the day has evolved into a global health movement.

Yoga offers numerous benefits, including improved metabolism, proper blood circulation, and reduced susceptibility to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory issues.

Pranayama, a breathing exercise in yoga, helps individuals manage stress and anxiety. Yoga has also been instrumental in aiding people's recovery from post-COVID complications during the pandemic.

Given the importance of living a stress-free, well-balanced, and healthy life, yoga has become an integral part of India's spiritual and cultural heritage. The Indian government recognizes the global significance of yoga and allows short-term yoga programs for tourists under their visas.

Yoga Week, which commenced on June 15, is already being celebrated by state governments. The main yoga event will take place in the renowned Kashi Vishwanath corridor of Varanasi, where over a thousand people are expected to participate.

The state government of Uttar Pradesh, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's guidance, has instructed ministers to partake in activities in their assigned districts on International Yoga Day.

In Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will lead the state celebration of International Yoga Day in Surat, focusing on the theme "One Earth, One Health." Around 125,000 citizens are anticipated to join the yoga practice along a four-and-a-half-kilometer path.

International Yoga Day will also be celebrated at 75 significant landmarks in different states, known for their religious, tourist, historical, and natural significance.

In Haryana, the state-level celebration will occur in Panipat, while district-level celebrations will take place in 21 districts and block-level celebrations in 121 blocks. The state government aims to promote yoga at every village, with the tagline for this year's Yoga Day being "Har Ghar-Aangan Yoga" (Yoga in Every Home and Courtyard).

The Health and Family Welfare Department's Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. G. Anupama, stated that each district and block level in the state will conduct a 45-minute yoga session on Yoga Day, with live broadcasts of addresses by the Chief Minister and Prime Minister.

The Ayush Department's Director General, Dr. Saket Kumar, announced the availability of the "Bhuvan Yoga" app, which allows users to upload photos and videos of their Yoga Day activities.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar will be the chief guest at the national event in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, on the ninth International Yoga Day. The main event will take place at the Garrison Ground, where the Vice President will address the gathering and later lead a large-scale yoga class. The theme for this year. 

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