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Union Ministers Urge Daily Yoga Practice Beyond International Yoga Day

Union Ministers extended greetings on the 12th International Yoga Day, emphasizing yoga as a foundation for health and peace. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged citizens to practice yoga daily for 365 days, not just on June 21. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman participated in celebrations in Guwahati, highlighting the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national event in Kolkata, declaring that yoga connects the entire world.

Yoga connects entire world, make it a daily routine for 365 days: Union Ministers

New Delhi, June 21

Several Union Ministers on Sunday extended heartfelt greetings to fellow citizens on the 12th International Yoga Day, as they participated in the annual event.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said yoga is not merely an exercise, but the foundation of a healthy body, a peaceful mind, and a balanced life.

"Let us embrace yoga and contribute to building a disease-free, energetic, and positive India. Don't practice yoga just for one day in the year; starting from June 21, make it a daily routine for 365 days," Goyal posted on social media platform X.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the celebrations of the 12th International Yoga Day at the Brahmaputra Riverfront in Guwahati, Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was also present on the occasion.

"This year's theme is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', which emphasises the importance of Yoga for all ages. It highlights the need to enhance not only lifespan but also 'healthspan' - the period of life spent in good health," she posted on X.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that "Yoga connects the entire world".

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that Yoga is a symbol of that invaluable heritage of India, which unites the body, mind, and soul in a single thread.

"Heartfelt greetings to all on the 12th 'International Yoga Day'. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has become a global mass movement in the past 12 years, and India's cultural consciousness has gained a new identity," he noted.

"Let us all, with the resolve of 'Yoga for Healthy Longevity', become partners in building a healthy, capable, and developed India 2047," the minister added.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the national celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga at the historic Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal. Leading the national observance under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", he performed the Common Yoga Protocol along with thousands of participants, while lakhs of people across India and the world joined the celebrations.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi remarked that from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean and from Bengal to Saurashtra, the entire nation was filled with the energy and spirit of Yoga.

— IANS

Reader Comments

James A

I'm an American who started doing yoga two years ago after my doctor recommended it for stress relief. It's amazing to see how India has made this ancient practice accessible to the entire world. Happy International Yoga Day from Chicago! 🧘‍♂️

Vikram M

Good initiative but I wish they'd also focus on making yoga accessible in rural areas where people can't afford mats or classes. Many villagers still think it's some urban fad. Also, please don't politicize it – yoga belongs to everyone, not just one party's agenda. 🙏

Sarah B

As a physiotherapist in London, I've seen incredible results with yoga for elderly patients. The theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" is perfect. My 82-year-old patient in Wimbledon can now touch her toes after six months of gentle yoga. It's science, not just tradition!

Ananya R

Proud to see our ancient heritage being celebrated worldwide! My grandmother taught me pranayama when I was 10, and now I teach it to my colleagues in Bangalore during lunch breaks. It's not just exercise, it's a lifestyle that calms your mind in this chaotic world. 🇮🇳✨

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

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