Mass demonstration marks countdown to international yoga day
Yoga is the free health insurance that increases immunity, reduces stress and promotes health and happiness in its practitioners, Union Minister of State (Independent charge) for Ayush and MoS for Health Prataprao Jadhav said on Tuesday.
Opening the 'Yoga Mahotsav' at Gandhi Thidal to mark the 25-day countdown to the celebration of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, Mr. Jadhav said yoga was a priceless gift from the ancient Indian tradition that transcends the boundaries of age, gender, and background.
'It is a universal language of peace and harmony. By embracing yoga, we honour our own heritage and contribute to a healthier, happier, and more united world,' he said.
Highlighting the transformative power of yoga and its relevance in promoting physical and mental well-being, the Minister pointed out that since the United Nations recognised June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014, millions of enthusiasts from over 170 countries across continents have started practising yoga.
As the yoga journey continues past the 10th year, the message of yoga as an important need of the present day and an integral part of a healthy future was being shared this year from the historic land of Puducherry, 'the workplace' of Sri Aurobindo who was an embodiment of the eternal values of Indian culture, the Minister said.
Noting that the theme of 'Yoga Mahotsav' chosen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' he exhorted the-over 6,000 participants to take the pledge to make yoga a part of their daily life and inspire others to do the same.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan, said yoga has been included in the educational curriculum in several countries. Yoga has been well-received in government offices, private companies, and defence sectors, he added.
Chief Minister N. Rangasamy said Puducherry stands as a global destination for inner peace and spiritual pursuit, inspiring people across the world to live with awareness, balance, and a spirit of service, which reflect the core principles of yoga.
Among those who participated were Speaker R. Selvam, Public Works Minister K. Lakshminarayanan, S. Selvaganabathy, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), V. Vaithilingam, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Sharat Chauhan, Chief Secretary, Jayanta Kumar Ray, Health Secretary and R. Sridharan, Director of Ayush, Puducherry.
Yoga demonstrators from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush, led by its Director Kashinath Samagandi, and assistant professor Lakshmi Kandan, presented a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol.
The 11th edition of IDY will feature 10 unique signature events, including the 'Yoga Sangam', a synchronised yoga demonstration at 1,00,000 locations, 'Yoga Bandha', global exchange programmes and knowledge sessions, 'Yoga Parks', for long-term community engagement and 'Yoga Samavesh', special sessions for the differently-abled, senior citizens, children, and marginalised groups.
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