LEH: Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday called upon citizens to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives, saying it is essential for building a healthier, happier and more peaceful society.
Participating in International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations in Leh, Ladakh, the Vice-President described yoga as an ancient gift from India to humanity that goes far beyond physical exercise and promotes harmony of the body, mind and soul.
Addressing the gathering amid the Himalayan landscape of Ladakh, he said yoga is the outcome of centuries of spiritual inquiry, meditation and wisdom developed by Indian sages and has emerged as a holistic system for physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Highlighting yoga’s growing global acceptance, the Vice-President said the worldwide recognition of the practice received renewed momentum under the leadership of Narendra Modi, whose proposal at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 led to the declaration of June 21 as International Day of Yoga with the support of more than 175 countries.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” he noted that increasing life expectancy and improvements in healthcare have brought new social responsibilities. Citing the India Ageing Report 2023, he said nearly one-fifth of India’s population is expected to be elderly by 2050 and stressed the need to ensure that added years to life also mean added life to years.
The Vice-President said yoga can play a vital role in promoting active ageing, physical health and mental well-being. He also remarked that individuals who practise yoga regularly are less likely to fall prey to drug abuse and other harmful habits.
Speaking about Ladakh, he observed that life at high altitudes demands endurance, discipline and adaptability, qualities that yoga helps cultivate. He praised the people of Ladakh for their resilience, simplicity and harmony with nature, saying they embody many of the values associated with yoga.
“The people of Ladakh are calm, peaceful, kind and deeply connected to nature. They reflect the true spirit of yoga,” he said.
Among those present were Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Mohmad Haneefa, Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chief Secretary Ladakh Ashish Kundra, senior civil and military officers, yoga practitioners, students and members of the local community.
Earlier, the Vice-President visited the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre at Devachan Campus, Leh, where he appreciated the institution’s contribution to education, healthcare, social welfare, environmental sustainability and the promotion of yoga and meditation in Ladakh.
He also commended the efforts of Bhikkhu Sanghasena, describing the institution as a model of how spiritual values and humanitarian service can work together for the welfare of society.
