11th International Yoga Day: Chandigarh radiates vibrant energy as over 33,000 perform yoga
Chandigarh came alive with vibrant energy and collective spirit as 33,000 participants performed yoga asanas across 312 locations, including dispensaries, parks, educational institutions, community centres, etc., to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga on Saturday, an UT Administration official said.
The main event was held at Tiranga Urban Park in Sector 17, where over 2,000 citizens from all age groups performed yoga, embracing this year's themes — 'Yoga for Self and Society' and 'One Earth, One Health.'
Punjab governor and UT Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria led the celebrations as the chief guest.
He highlighted yoga's transformation from an ancient Indian tradition to a global movement, calling it 'a people's movement' that not only strengthens individuals but also unites communities across boundaries.
Kataria also administered a pledge for a 'Nasha Mukt Chandigarh' (Addiction-Free Chandigarh).
Several dignitaries, including Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, Home Secretary Mandeep Singh Brar, Finance Secretary Diprava Lakra, Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar, Health Secretary Ajay Chagti, among other senior officials of the Chandigarh Administration participated in the event at Tiranga Urban Park.
More than 2,000 yoga enthusiasts, representing various sectors, participated in the mass session.
These included members of the Directorate of AYUSH, Department of Tourism, government colleges, central government departments, and institutions like the Government College of Yoga Education and Health.
In parallel, a special yoga session at the iconic Rock Garden saw the participation of over 1,500 people, including Anganwadi workers, children from Child Care Institutions, and officials from the Department of Social Welfare.
The session included yoga demonstrations by AYUSH trainers and a symbolic tree plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.
Judges, judicial officials perform yoga
International Day of Yoga was celebrated with great fervour on the Punjab and Haryana High Court premises in Chandigarh under the aegis of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu.
High Court judges, members of the HC Bar Association, court officers and officials actively performed various yoga asanas and meditation exercises under the guidance of a yoga trainer.
The event, themed 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', was observed in alignment with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Ayush.
Inmates perform yoga at Model Jail
Nearly 250 inmates participated in the yoga session conducted under the guidance of Dr Anish Garg, a Gold Medalist in Science of Living (FC-SEDE) and an MD in acupressure, at Model Jail in Chandigarh on Saturday.
Inmate Pardeep Kumar and other convicted inmates shared their testimonies about how daily yoga practice positively impacted their physical health, mental stability and overall outlook on life.
Yoga is synchrony of inner and outer self: PGI director
More than 3,350 doctors, healthcare workers, faculty, students, staff and their families performed yoga asanas at an event organised by Collaborative Centre for Mind-Body Intervention through Yoga (CCRYN) at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering, PGI Director Prof Vivek Lal emphasised the significance of yoga in maintaining overall wellbeing, stating, 'Yoga is the synchrony of inner and outer self, a profound practice that nurtures physical health, mental clarity, and emotional stability. It is a vital tool for fostering harmony within ourselves and with the environment, especially in these challenging times. I encourage everyone, students, faculty, staff, and families, to make yoga an integral part of their lifelong journey towards health and inner peace.'
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