Foreign tourists join International Yoga Day celebrations at Shimla Ridge; Governor administers pledge
Shimla, June 21
Hundreds of people, including foreign tourists, students, security personnel and residents, participated in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations at the historic Ridge Ground in Shimla on Sunday, highlighting the growing global appeal of the ancient Indian practice.
The event was attended by Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan, police personnel, Border Security Force (BSF) jawans and school students. The Governor administered a pledge encouraging participants to adopt yoga and healthy living as part of their daily routine.
Foreign tourists also took part in the celebrations, adding a unique dimension to the event. Among them was Alex, a tourist from Scotland, who expressed enthusiasm about continuing yoga practice after returning home.
"We are trying to do yoga. We came yesterday, and we just like to be part of this. We like it. I think we are going to keep doing it when we go home. It's fun. It's good, and it's not much back home, but we are going to carry it," Alex told ANI.
Speaking on the occasion, Thakur credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking yoga to the global stage and recalled India's successful proposal at the United Nations General Assembly for the observance of International Yoga Day.
"First of all, I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi for presenting the proposal at the United Nations General Assembly. The proposal reflected India's culture, traditions and the wisdom of our sages, which have guided humanity for centuries. With the support of countries across the world, June 21 was declared International Yoga Day. Today, yoga is being celebrated in nearly 190 countries, which is a matter of pride for India," Thakur said.
Governor Kavinder Gupta underscored the importance of yoga in maintaining overall well-being and described it as an integral part of India's cultural heritage.
"Yoga keeps our body, mind, intellect and soul healthy. It is our tradition and culture. Saints and spiritual leaders have played a significant role in preserving it, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken it to the global stage. Today, countries across the world have adopted yoga," Gupta said.
He added that yoga can help address rising stress, depression and unhealthy lifestyles, while collective participation in such activities strengthens social harmony and community well-being.
Participants performed various yoga asanas against the backdrop of Shimla's iconic Ridge, marking the occasion with enthusiasm and a shared message of health, wellness and holistic living.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a Canadian who did yoga this morning in Vancouver, this makes me smile 😊 It's beautiful to see people from different cultures coming together for health and peace. I've always wanted to visit Shimla - this event makes it even more appealing! Namaste from Canada 🇨🇦
Lovely to see the Ridge Ground filled with positivity! But I'm a bit disappointed - why were there so few local participants? The photos show more officials and tourists than common Shimla residents. Yoga should start from home, not just as a photo op for politicians. Still, happy to see foreigners appreciating our culture. Just wish local schools got more involved 🙏
I'm an American who started yoga for stress relief during COVID. Now I can't imagine life without it! So inspiring to see its origins celebrated with such joy in India. The Scotsman Alex's comment about continuing back home is exactly how I felt after my first retreat in Rishikesh. Yoga truly connects us all 🌿
Shimla Ridge at dawn, doing Surya Namaskar with snow-capped peaks in view - that's the real India experience! The governor's pledge about healthy living is timely given rising diabetes and heart issues in our country. But I wish they'd also highlight yoga's spiritual roots beyond just physical exercise. Sant Kabir said it best - "Yoga is not just asanas, it's union with the divine." 🙏
L Lakshmi X As a We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.