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Ashwini Vaishnaw, Arjun Ram Meghwal Lead Yoga Day in Bikaner, Highlight Wellness Benefits

Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Arjun Ram Meghwal participated in the 12th International Yoga Day event in Bikaner. Vaishnaw highlighted yoga's ability to cure life's ills and credited PM Modi for elevating it globally. He also announced the bullet train project will be operational in 2027 with a phased rollout. This year's theme is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', focusing on wellness across all life stages.

'Many ills of life can be cured': Ashwini Vaishnaw, Arjun Ram Meghwal participate in International Yoga Day event in Bikaner

Bikaner, June 21

On the occasion of the 12th International Yoga Day, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in an event in Bikaner on Sunday. He, along with Union Minister for Law Arjun Ram Meghwal, practised yoga with large numbers of people, highlighting the significance of incorporating yoga into daily lives.

Addressing reporters, Vaishnaw highlighted the practice's ability to "cure" the ills of life. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with elevating ancient Indian yoga to the global stage, drawing a parallel to how Swami Vivekananda introduced Indian culture to the world.

"We all believe that through yoga, many of the ills of life can be cured and that yoga can become a way of life. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given yoga a new place in the world. Swami Vivekananda brought Indian culture to the world stage. That was a landmark event in India's history; similarly, giving yoga a new place in the world is a great achievement for Indian culture. After Swami Vivekananda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought it to the world stage," he said.

Meghwal told ANI that Vaishnaw's participation in the event is a "matter of pride" for the state.

The Railways Minister also highlighted that the bullet train project will have a phased rollout, with operations commencing from 2027.

"The dream project of the bullet train will be operational in 2027 and will open section by section. This dream will be fulfilled in 2027," he said.

The 12th edition of the International Day of Yoga is being observed across the country and around the world on Sunday under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', highlighting the role of yoga in promoting healthy and active living across all stages of life.

PM Narendra Modi led the national observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga at the Red Road in Kolkata today, joining the participants in celebrating the global event centred on wellness and healthy living.

This year's theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', reflects the growing global emphasis on healthy and active living across the lifespan. As populations age and non-communicable diseases and lifestyle-related health concerns rise globally, the emphasis is shifting from simply adding years to life to enhancing health span, quality of life and overall well-being.

India and Yoga share a bond that spans millennia. Rooted in India's ancient traditions, Yoga has evolved from a spiritual and philosophical practice into a global movement for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Recognising its universal appeal and benefits, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. The proposal, introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the 69th session of the UN, was supported by 175 member states. The first observance was held on 21st June 2015.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Priya S

'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' is such an important theme. My 70-year-old mother does yoga daily and it keeps her active and happy. But I wish these events weren't always so political. Instead of comparing PM to Swami Vivekananda, maybe focus on making yoga accessible in rural areas where people don't have fancy mats or studios. 🙏

Michael C

As a foreigner living in India, I find the yoga enthusiasm refreshing. It's not just about flexibility - the breathing exercises changed my anxiety levels completely. The Bullet train mention felt out of place though... typical politician multitasking! But overall, this is a positive initiative.

Shreya B

Swami Vivekananda did great work globally, but equating PM Modi to him seems a bit far-fetched. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years - giving it an international day is good, but let's not overstate individual contributions. The real heroes are the gurus who kept this tradition alive through centuries. Also, where's the focus on mental health through yoga? Just physical curing isn't enough.

Rohit P

Did yoga for 2 hours this morning and feeling amazing! The theme 'Healthy Ageing' is perfect for India's aging population. But honestly, why mix railway projects with yoga events? Just let the simple practice of asanas and pranayama speak for itself. We don't need political packaging for something that's already perfect. 🧘‍♂️

Jessica F

Great to see India's ancient wisdom being celebrated. I practice yoga in London and it's amazing how many people here appreciate its origins. But the constant political messaging dilutes the

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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