'We should feel proud that our country has given Yoga to world': Kejriwal on International Yoga Day
New Delhi, June 21
India marked the 12th International Day of Yoga with large-scale celebrations held across the country, bringing together citizens, government institutions, armed forces, schools, and community organisations in mass yoga demonstrations.
On the occasion, Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal extended greetings through a post on social media platform X. He wrote: "Heartfelt wishes on International Yoga Day. We should feel proud that our country has given the world an invaluable gift like yoga. Yoga is a symbol of our country's great culture and knowledge.
"People from abroad come to India to learn yoga, but many of us living in India still can't find time for yoga. In today's fast-paced and stress-filled life, yoga is essential for keeping ourselves healthy," he said.
Kejriwal's message highlighted India's cultural contribution to global wellness while also stressing the need for greater personal adoption of yoga in daily life.
From iconic public spaces to rural centres, thousands of events were organised as part of nationwide observance, reflecting yoga's growing role in public health and wellness culture.
According to reports, the Ministry of AYUSH and partner institutions organised special programmes at multiple locations as part of a nationwide campaign, with structured Common Yoga Protocol sessions, awareness drives, and community participation events conducted across states.
The Indian Army also held yoga sessions as part of the celebrations, with large participation from personnel and families, highlighting the armed forces' focus on fitness and mental well-being.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the main national celebration from Kolkata, describing the occasion as the "world's largest collective celebration" as thousands participated in mass yoga sessions across the country. The nationwide observance also saw participation from ministers and chief ministers in various states, reinforcing yoga's status as a unifying national practice.
Across India, schools, offices, and public institutions organised morning yoga sessions, while wellness experts emphasised the importance of integrating yoga into daily routines for both physical fitness and mental balance.
This year's celebrations also placed renewed focus on preventive healthcare, mindfulness, and stress management, reflecting the evolving global perception of yoga beyond physical exercise.
The day was marked by mass participation events nationwide, reinforcing yoga's role as a global wellness practice rooted in Indian tradition.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Nice to see all parties coming together on this—Modi in Kolkata, Kejriwal tweeting, everyone celebrating. Yoga is one thing that unites us beyond politics. But wish these leaders would also focus on making yoga accessible in rural schools and not just events for photo ops!
Finally a non-political statement from Kejriwal! Yoga is great, but I feel we've over-commercialized it—charging crores for courses that were once freely shared in ashrams. At least the Army's participation shows discipline. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
As an American who's been practicing yoga for years, I'm amazed at India's commitment to this tradition. I've visited Rishikesh and Bangalore to study—Indian teachers are world-class! But I agree with the comments here: make it more grassroots in India itself. The world needs this ancient wisdom. 🙏
Kejriwal's point about not finding time is spot on for most of us working in metro cities. But let's be honest—many politicians and bureaucrats don't practice either! At least the masses are waking up. Yoga is not just asanas, it's about mental peace too. Good to see this becoming a national movement.
Proud moment indeed. But I wish instead of just one day, we had year-round programs in schools and offices. My kids learned yoga at school today and they loved it—now their school should continue weekly sessions for stress management. Parents are overwhelmed too! 😅
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