Ministers in Punjab join events marking 11th International Day of Yoga

The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was observed across Punjab and Union Territory Chandigarh on Saturday, with many events organised on the occasion and political leaders and other dignitaries joining them.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged people to make yoga a part of their daily lives.

"On the occasion of International Day of Yoga, let us make yoga a daily part of our lives for physical and mental well-being," Mann said in a post on X in Punjabi.

At an event in Chandigarh, Punjab Governor and Administrator of Union Territory Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria said yoga is no longer just a form of exercise, it is now a people's movement across India.

It empowers an individual, strengthens communities, and offers a timeless solution to modern challenges, he said.

The governor spoke on the spiritual, philosophical, and scientific depth of yoga, tracing its roots from the ancient Indus-Saraswati civilization to its presence in the Rigveda, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita.

He highlighted how yoga fosters inner balance, mindfulness, and harmony with nature.

Recalling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's visionary appeal at the United Nations in 2014, which led to the global declaration of International Day of Yoga, Kataria noted, "Today, Yoga is a global spirit, a symbol of wellness and unity that transcends cultures and borders."

"When we care for our mind and body, we also nurture a healthier, more conscious planet. This is the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'” the world is one family," he added.

During the celebrations, the governor led the gathering in taking a solemn pledge for a 'Nasha Mukt Chandigarh'.

He administered the pledge to all participants, reaffirming the city's collective commitment to eliminating substance abuse and nurturing a healthier, addiction-free society.

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu took part in an event at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh to mark the IDY.

"With vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has become a truly global brand. India's ancient tradition has transitioned into wellness movement across the globe," Bittu said, who is the minister of state for Railways and Food Processing Industries.

Cabinet Minister and Punjab AAP president Aman Arora performed yoga at an event in Sangrur.

"To keep your mind and body healthy, incorporate yoga exercises into your daily life and take maximum advantage of the free yoga classes offered under the 'CM di Yogshala' initiative of the Punjab government for physical and mental well-being of the state's residents," Arora posted on X.

The IDY was celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm by the BSF troops and their families at Headquarters Special DG Border Security Force (BSF) (Western Command) Chandigarh, located at BSF Campus Lakhnaur in Mohali.

In addition to the main function held at Border Security Force Western Command campus at Lakhnaur, the under command field formations also organised events at respective headquarters and at Border Outposts.

A yoga event was held at the Joint Check Post Attari in Amritsar and Atul Fulzele, Inspector General, BSF Punjab was the chief guest.

More than 1,100 participants, including BSF personnel, Army officials, students, local dignitaries, and residents of border villages joined the event.

Fulzele encouraged the participants to make yoga their way of life for a healthy body and peaceful mind.

In Mohali, Dr B R Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) successfully set a new Asia Book of Records title for the largest yoga session by healthcare professionals on the occasion of the IDY.

Director Principal Dr Bhavneet Bharti said with an impressive 3,003 participants, including MBBS students, nursing students, doctors, paramedics, and healthcare professionals from across disciplines, AIMS Mohali celebrated this historic moment here.

The achievement was officially certified by Dr Sachin Khullar, esteemed adjudicator from Asia Book of Records, who presented the certificate and lauded AIMS Mohali's commitment to wellness and leadership in public health advocacy, an official statement said.

In Ludhiana's Khanna, Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond asked people to embrace yoga as an essential part of their daily lives, encouraging regular practice for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Addressing a gathering at an event in Khanna on the occasion of 11th IDY, Sond said, "In today's stressful times, when various diseases pose a serious threat to human life, yoga can play a significant role in keeping individuals healthy and fit."

He urged people to practice yoga for at least one hour daily to get its health benefits.

Sond highlighted that yoga is essential and beneficial for physical and mental well-being, helping to protect the body from illness and stressed that everyone should incorporate the practice into their daily lives to stay physically fit.