India Rolls Out the Mats for 12th International Yoga Day
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
International Yoga Day highlights yoga's ancient roots, health benefits and growing global appeal as a tool for wellness.
By Pranjal Gupta
New Delhi, June 21: India on Sunday observed the 12th International Yoga Day, with this year's theme being "Yoga for Healthy Ageing". Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a massive yoga session in Kolkata, where thousands gathered to participate. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu took part in a similar programme in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, performing various yoga asanas.
Yoga is deeply rooted in Indian culture and finds mention in Hindu scriptures and legends. The word "yoga" means union — the self connecting with a higher consciousness. According to Hindu mythology, the knowledge of yoga was first imparted by Lord Shiva, known as Adiyogi, to the Saptarishis (seven sages) after he attained enlightenment through yogic practices. The sages later passed this knowledge on to future generations. Centuries later,
the sage Patanjali compiled these teachings in "The Yoga Sutras."
While physical postures form an important part of yoga, its primary focus is the mind. Yoga promotes emotional balance, self-awareness and inner strength, helping improve overall quality of life.
Celebrations Across India
The day witnessed large-scale celebrations across the country. Union Health Minister J P Nadda said yoga offers a holistic path to healthy and active ageing by promoting physical fitness, mental clarity, emotional well-being and overall health.
“Yoga is an important component of the Ayush system. This decision will give new direction and momentum to yoga education, training, research and public awareness activities,”
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said while addressing a state-level mass yoga programme at the PG College Ground in Ambikapur.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria urged people to make yoga a part of their daily lives, saying it is not merely a form of exercise but a way to keep the body healthy, the mind calm and life balanced.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi encouraged young people to practise yoga every day to remain stress-free. He said yoga is not limited to any particular religion but is a universal gift that contributes to the development of human consciousness.
Addressing participants before a yoga session at the Jhansi Fort complex in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said sages and seers have long maintained that regular yoga helps keep the body free from disease, illness and the ailments associated with ageing. He urged people to make yoga a regular part of their daily routine.
In a social media post, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said, “Let us resolve to make yoga a commitment for every individual and ensure our participation in building a healthy, prosperous and developed Bihar.”
