'Let us make yoga a collective force for nation-building': CM Patel leads Gujarat celebrations
Gandhinagar, June 21
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday joined the state-level celebration of the 12th International Yoga Day at Mansa in Gandhinagar district, where thousands of participants gathered for a mass yoga session as part of a statewide observance centred on the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing".
The Chief Minister took part in the collective yoga programme organised at Sheth L.S. Science College and later described the experience as "highly energising" in a post on social media platform X.
Quoting the Sanskrit prayer, "May all be happy, may all be free from illness," CM Patel said the occasion highlighted yoga's role in promoting lifelong health and well-being.
"This year's Yoga Day theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', conveys the message of lifelong well-being through yoga," the Chief Minister said, adding that the discipline continues to serve as a means of maintaining physical, mental and emotional wellness across age groups.
"It was a matter of great joy that more than 1.25 crore people participated in Yoga Day events across Gujarat," the CM wrote.
According to the figures shared by the Chief Minister, citizens from all age groups participated in the yoga sessions at more than 330 designated venues throughout the state.
The celebrations formed part of the 12th International Yoga Day observance, during which collective yoga sessions were organised across Gujarat, including in cities, towns and villages.
The state-level programme at Mansa served as the focal event, bringing together citizens, officials and yoga enthusiasts for a coordinated demonstration of yoga practice.
The observance coincided with nationwide celebrations led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who participated in a mass yoga programme in Kolkata, West Bengal, and addressed the country on the significance of yoga in daily life.
The event focused on encouraging regular yoga practice and promoting the theme of healthy ageing through preventive and holistic approaches to health.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the government's push for yoga, I feel we need to focus more on improving healthcare infrastructure. Yoga is beneficial but not a substitute for proper medical facilities, especially for our elderly population. Healthy ageing requires both.
As someone who practices yoga daily for the past 5 years, I can vouch for its benefits. Lowered my blood pressure, improved my flexibility, and most importantly, gave me mental peace. Good initiative by the CM! 👏
Yoga Day has become just another photo-op event for politicians. Real benefits come from daily practice, not from one-day events with big numbers. But still, any promotion of wellness is welcome.
My 70-year-old mother has been doing yoga for years and she's healthier than most 50-year-olds. The theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' is very relevant in our country where the elderly population is growing. Proud of Gujarat! 🙏
Interesting to see how deeply yoga is integrated into Indian culture. In the US, it's mostly seen as exercise, but here it seems to have spiritual and national significance too. The passion is inspiring.
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