
"Yoga now part of daily life across globe due to PM Modi's efforts," says HP Governor Shukla
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 21(ANI): Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday led a yoga session at the Raj Bhavan in Shimla to mark the 11th International Yoga Day.
Raj Bhavan staff, students from the Department of Yoga Studies at Himachal Pradesh University, and residents participated in the event.
Addressing the participants and later speaking to the media, Governor Shukla lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's global efforts to promote yoga, calling it a transformative tool for both body and mind.
'It was due to the relentless efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the United Nations declared June 21 as International Yoga Day. Today, yoga is not just confined to India but has become an integral part of daily life globally,' the Governor told ANI.
He added, 'We should make yoga a part of our daily lives. Yoga will play a big role in making the mind and body healthy, and it will also play a big role in uniting society.'
He further emphasised the profound impact of yoga beyond physical fitness. 'Yoga plays a critical role not only in ensuring good health but also in removing harmful tendencies and societal distortions,' Shukla added.
Highlighting the spiritual and cultural essence of the state, he said: 'Himachal Pradesh is a land of gods, a 'Devbhoomi'. Since taking charge as Governor, I have stepped out of Raj Bhavan and gone from village to village to awaken the youth and urge them to stay away from drugs.'
Speaking to ANI, Governor Shukla expressed deep gratitude towards the Prime Minister for entrusting him with eradicating substance abuse in Himachal Pradesh.
'I thank and commend Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving me the responsibility to free Himachal from the menace of drugs,' he said.
The Governor noted that awareness campaigns have already begun yielding results. '
We have reached the villages and sensitised people against drug use. As a result, police actions have led to significant heroin seizures. But I believe a day will come when no such drugs will be found, not because they are hidden better, but because people will stop consuming them altogether,' he remarked.
Governor Shukla reiterated his belief that yoga, with its focus on mental clarity and discipline, can play a pivotal role in steering the youth away from addiction and towards a healthier and more purposeful life. (ANI)
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