Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday participated in a mass yoga session at Prahlad Nagar Garden in Ahmedabad, highlighting yoga as India’s timeless gift to humanity and a powerful tool for promoting holistic health and well-being.
In a post on X, HM Shah said, “Heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens on ‘International Yoga Day.’ Through the practice of yoga, one attains a healthy body, a peaceful mind, and a life filled with patience. It is not only an exercise but also a path to balancing life and fostering positivity. Under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, yoga is today being embraced worldwide as a lifestyle. Let us resolve to make yoga a part of our daily lives and move towards a healthy, empowered, and balanced life.”
The Home Minister described yoga as India’s enduring contribution to global wellness.
“Yoga is India’s invaluable gift to humankind which nourishes holistic well-being through energising mind, body and soul. Joined millions across the world in Yoga Day celebration by participating in a public yoga session in Ahmedabad,” HM Shah said.
Ahmedabad hosted several Yoga Day events, with Prahlad Nagar Garden emerging as one of the city’s key venues. Participants gathered in the early hours to perform yoga asanas and breathing exercises as part of the coordinated celebrations.
Bhupendra Patel Leads State-Level Programme in Mansa
Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended the state-level International Yoga Day celebration at Sheth L.S. Science College in Mansa, Gandhinagar district, where thousands participated in a collective yoga session.
Describing the experience as highly energising, CM Patel highlighted the importance of yoga in promoting lifelong health and wellness.
Quoting the Sanskrit prayer, “May all be happy, may all be free from illness,” the Chief Minister said the occasion reinforced yoga’s role in ensuring physical, mental and emotional well-being.
“This year’s Yoga Day theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, conveys the message of lifelong well-being through yoga,” CM Patel said, noting that the ancient practice continues to help people maintain health and balance throughout their lives.
The Chief Minister also revealed that more than 1.25 crore people participated in Yoga Day programmes across Gujarat, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga among people of all age groups.
“It was a matter of great joy that more than 1.25 crore people participated in Yoga Day events across Gujarat,” Patel said in a social media post.
Theme Focuses on Healthy Ageing
This year’s International Day of Yoga focused on the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighting the role of yoga in promoting fitness, mental wellness and healthy lifestyles across all stages of life.
The theme encourages individuals to adopt preventive and holistic approaches to health, particularly as populations around the world face increasing lifestyle-related health challenges.
Across Gujarat, government departments, local bodies, educational institutions and community organisations coordinated large-scale yoga sessions aimed at encouraging citizens to make yoga a regular part of their daily lives.
Part of Nationwide Celebrations Led by PM Modi
The Gujarat celebrations formed part of the nationwide observance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Kolkata’s Red Road, where he participated in a mass yoga session and addressed the nation on the significance of yoga as a tool for personal well-being and societal harmony.
Observed annually since 2015 following the adoption of a United Nations resolution proposed by India, International Day of Yoga has grown into a global movement promoting physical health, mental balance and spiritual well-being.
This year’s celebrations once again demonstrated yoga’s universal appeal, with millions of people participating across India and around the world, reaffirming its status as one of India’s most influential contributions to global wellness.
(With IANS inputs)
