Yoga Week commenced at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on Monday as part of a public outreach campaign leading up to International Yoga Day on June 21.
The initiative is also being observed as part of events marking 12 years of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.
Several Uttar Pradesh ministers participated in the early morning programme, which featured yoga demonstrations and awareness activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being.
Speaking on the occasion, Uttar Pradesh Minister Daya Shankar Mishra highlighted the growing global acceptance of yoga and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for promoting the discipline.
“This year marks the 12th International Yoga Day, and Yoga Week begins today. The week-long programme will culminate in the main event on June 21, in which people across the world will participate. More than 177 countries are observing and practising yoga today. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for their efforts in taking yoga to the global stage. Our aim is to further promote and spread this discipline among people across the world,” Mishra told ANI.
State Minister Hanshraj Vishwakarma stressed the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life and maintaining a healthy routine.
“Today marks the 12th International Yoga Day, and I extend my best wishes to everyone. I pray to Maa Ganga to inspire people to practise yoga. A healthy daily routine is essential for achieving success in life, and that is my sincere message to all,” he said.
The United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga on December 11, 2014, following a proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014.
Since the inaugural International Yoga Day in 2015, India has led global celebrations under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH, with support from state governments, Indian missions abroad and United Nations agencies. The initiative has promoted a preventive and holistic approach to health and wellness worldwide.
(With ANI inputs)
