Grand Yoga countdown held at LB Stadium ahead of International Yoga Day; film and political celebrities participate
Hyderabad, June 20 (UNI) A grand 24-hour countdown to International Yoga Day was held at L B Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday morning.
The event, organised under the leadership of Union Minister for Coal and Mines and Telangana BJP President G. Kishan Reddy, witnessed enthusiastic participation from a cross-section of society, including political leaders, film celebrities, and the general public.
Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Union Minister Srinivasa Verma, MP Etala Rajender, BJP leader Khushboo, and film actors Sai Dharam Tej, Teja Sajja, and Meenakshi Chowdhury were among the prominent personalities who performed yoga asanas and addressed the gathering.
The stadium was filled with hundreds of yoga enthusiasts and members of prominent yoga organisations, educational institutions, and social bodies, marking the significance of the run-up to International Yoga Day on June 21.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Kishan Reddy said, "After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, India gifted the world the treasure of Yoga. Over 200 countries have adopted and embraced Yoga, and this is a matter of pride for every Indian. From the land of Telangana, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for introducing Yoga to the world. Celebrations should be held in every corner of the country on June 21."
Highlighting the nationwide fervour for Yoga Day, Reddy added, "Today, we have organised a 24-hour countdown here at LB Stadium. Tomorrow, I will be participating in the Yoga Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam alongside 5 lakh people — a proud moment for Telugu-speaking states."
He emphasised that Yoga should be an essential part of daily life, describing it as "our first doctor and a panacea for health and well-being."
Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu praised the initiative and congratulated Kishan Reddy for organising the countdown event.
"Yoga is not just a one-day event. It should be a lifelong practice. It enhances mental and physical fitness, reduces stress, and strengthens focus. With the theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' Prime Minister Modi has inspired an unprecedented global response," he said.
Naidu also invoked the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Yoga, drawing references from the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
"Yoga is about self-discipline, concentration, and awakening inner strength. It transcends religion and caste — it is a science of health and harmony passed down from our ancestors."
He urged the youth to embrace Yoga with dedication: "This is not for commission or omission, but a mission, a passion for the nation."
Naidu also touched upon India's growing global stature, crediting the success of operations like 'Sindoor' to the strength and resilience of the Indian armed forces and scientific community.
'Uniting the world through Yoga is a noble path toward global peace. Let's promote Yoga in every household — among men, women, and children — as a timeless health science for all.'
The countdown event at LB Stadium served as a vibrant prelude to the International Yoga Day celebrations scheduled across India on June 21, with Prime Minister Modi expected to participate in the main event at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
UNI VV ARN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
43 minutes ago
- India.com
International Yoga Day 2025: Yoga To Improve Eye Vision
In today's digital era, our eyes are constantly exposed to screens, artificial lighting, and pollution. This prolonged strain can lead to problems such as blurry vision, dry eyes, eye fatigue, and even long-term deterioration of eyesight. While modern medicine offers solutions like glasses, contact lenses, or surgery, many people seek natural ways to support and enhance their vision. Yoga for the eyes is a time-tested practice rooted in ancient Indian traditions. It involves specific eye exercises and relaxation techniques that help strengthen the eye muscles, enhance focus, and improve blood circulation to the eyes. Benefits of Eye Yoga Improves focus and eye coordination Reduces eye strain and fatigue Strengthens eye muscles Enhances blood flow to the optic nerves Relieves dry eyes and tension May slow the progression of refractive errors (like myopia or hypermetropia) Purpose: Relaxes the eyes and relieves stress How to do: Rub your palms together until warm. Gently place them over your closed eyes without applying pressure. Feel the warmth and darkness soothe your eyes. Repeat for 2–3 minutes. 2. Trataka (Candle Gazing) Purpose: Enhances concentration and vision clarity How to do: Sit in a dark room and place a lit candle at eye level, about 2–3 feet away. Gaze at the flame without blinking for as long as comfortable. Close your eyes and visualize the flame. Repeat 2–3 times. Note: Avoid if you have active eye conditions like conjunctivitis. 3. Blinking Exercise Purpose: Moistens eyes and strengthens muscles How to do: Blink your eyes rapidly for 10–15 seconds. Close them for a few seconds. Repeat this cycle 5–6 times. 4. Eye Rolling (Clockwise & Counterclockwise) Purpose: Improves eye muscle flexibility How to do: Sit straight and keep your head still. Roll your eyes in a circular motion – clockwise 5 times, then counterclockwise. Blink between each round. 5. Near and Far Focus Purpose: Enhances focus and adaptability How to do: Hold your thumb 10 inches from your eyes and focus on it for 5 seconds. Then shift your gaze to something at least 20 feet away. Focus for 5 seconds and return to the thumb. Repeat 10 times. 6. Figure Eight Purpose: Improves eye coordination and control How to do: Imagine a large figure "8" about 10 feet in front of you. Trace it slowly with your eyes without moving your head. Do this for a minute in one direction, then reverse. Lifestyle Tips to Support Eye Yoga Take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and leafy greens. Practice sun gazing only during safe times (early morning) under expert guidance. Reduce screen time and use blue light filters on devices.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Eli Lilly says India response to obesity drug Mounjaro is 'positive', will focus on meeting demand
Eli Lilly said the response for its blockbuster drug Mounjaro has been "positive" in India, adding that it is focusing on meeting demand for the drug in the world's most populous country. The U.S.-based Lilly beat rival Novo Nordisk in March this year to introduce its diabetes and weight-loss drug in India, which is grappling with an increasing disease burden among its population of 1.4 billion. Mounjaro has sold more than 81,570 units in India, totalling about 239.4 million rupees ($2.76 million) as of May, with the drug logging a 60% rise in overall sales between April and May, according to data from research firm PharmaTrac. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: 1 simple trick to get all TV channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo With its mass-market pricing, Mounjaro could become a mainstay in obesity and diabetes management in India, PharmaTrac said. The global demand for Lilly's Mounjaro and Novo's version Wegovy has skyrocketed in the last few years, even leading to shortages in a few countries, including the U.S. Live Events "Since 2020, Lilly has invested over $50 billion to increase production capacity (for global supply). We remain fully committed to meeting the demand for our medicines across the country," the company said on Thursday. Obesity and diabetes rates have been steadily climbing in India. A government survey conducted between 2019 and 2021 showed 24% of women and nearly 23% of men aged 15 to 49 were overweight or obese, up from 20.6% and 19%, respectively, in 2015-2016. In addition, the number of adults with diabetes is projected to increase to more than 124 million by 2045 from 74.2 million in 2021, according to the International Diabetes Federation. Indian drugmakers are now racing to develop cheaper versions of the weight-loss drugs to grab a share of the market estimated to be around $150 billion by the early 2030s. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is likely to go off-patent in 2026 in India.
United News of India
an hour ago
- United News of India
In a world facing environmental crisis, yoga offers a path to sustainability: WHO's Saima Wazed
New Delhi, June 20 (UNI) On the eve of the International Day of Yoga, Saima Wazed, regional director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for South-East Asia, emphasised the role of yoga in fostering sustainability and holistic well-being in the face of escalating environmental challenges. In a world facing environmental challenges, yoga offers a path to sustainability by encouraging us to live simply, consume mindfully, and respect the natural world. In embracing yoga, we can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet, she said in a statement issued ahead of the global observance on June 21. 'By embracing yoga, we can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet.' Highlighting scientific studies, Wazed noted the profound impact of yoga on human health. 'The benefits of yoga are well-documented. Studies have shown that 77 per cent of people report feeling physically stronger after practising yoga regularly. 82 percent of patients with chronic inflammation experienced a nearly 50 percent reduction in inflammation after just six weeks of daily yoga. 'Yoga can also help mental health. A study by Harvard Medical School found that 60 percent of participants with depression experienced a significant reduction in symptoms after practicing yoga twice a week for eight weeks,' Wazed said. WHO's South-East Asia Region comprises 10 member states including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste. This year's theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' underscores the vital connection between personal well-being and the health of the planet, Wazed added. She also acknowledged India's leadership in bringing global attention to yoga. 'The initiative to celebrate June 21 as International Day of Yoga was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was adopted by the United Nations in 2014 with support from 177 member states. The first celebration was held in 2015, marking the beginning of a global wellness movement.' Calling on individuals and communities across the region to take part, Wazed said, 'As we observe this important day, let us remember that each breath is a sacred gift from nature. Every mindful moment we cultivate through yoga is a step toward a brighter, healthier future—for ourselves, for each other, and for the planet.'
