Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday led the Yoga Day celebrations here and noted that it was helpful in maintaining both physical and mental health.
Addressing the gathering at SKICC on the banks of Dal Lake here, he said it guides us toward a more holistic realm of health and happiness.
“This year’s Yoga Day theme is ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’. With rising stress and modern health challenges, Yoga offers a powerful ray of hope. Let’s take a step toward wellness today by participating and committing to a healthier lifestyle,” Sinha said.
He urged the people of Jammu & Kashmir to actively participate in yoga events and champion the movement toward a healthier lifestyle.
“Yoga stands as an invaluable treasure of our ancient Indian heritage, which harmonises mind and body, bridges the bond between humanity and nature, and guides us toward a more holistic realm of health and happiness,” he added.
Health Minister Sakina Ittoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat were among those who participated in the yoga day function.
“True health means balancing the body, mind, and emotions. While modern life constantly pulls our attention outward to screens and stress, Yoga teaches us to turn inward. Proud to see this ancient Indian tradition become the cornerstone of global health,” the LG said.
The LG said that Yoga is not just a workout but a pathway to yourself. He said amidst noise of routine activities of life, Yoga aligns mind and body, helps us decode our inner thoughts and connects us with nature.
“Yoga helps in building mental agility. While our minds naturally drift to past worries or future anxieties, Yoga trains us to master the present moment. The science of Yoga is truly remarkable. By simply focusing on the breath, the mind settles, and stress reduction begins. Various Studies show that regular practice boosts memory, mental focus, and emotional balance. That is why global health experts today recommend Yoga as the most powerful lifestyle change you can make for your health,” the LG said.
The LG told the Yoga enthusiasts that one cannot buy good health but they have to cultivate it through discipline.
“Like a plant which needs daily water, our mind and body require consistent discipline, and Yoga is exactly about the discipline. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yoga is popular across the world and I am proud to see global medical experts championing Yoga as a vital tool for mental resilience and a balanced life. India showed the world the path to holistic health centuries ago. Yoga teaches us to live not just longer, but better. I am happy to see the Jammu Kashmir AYUSH department working tirelessly to democratize Yoga, making it accessible to every citizen from rural towns to urban centres.
“Yoga is driving real change in the ‘Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir’ movement, helping both prevention and recovery. I want people to make Yoga a daily discipline. Just a few minutes every day builds long-term health. Yoga transcends all barriers and it is a universal science for humanity,” the Lieutenant G said.
The address by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was also telecast live to mark the International Day of Yoga.
Sakina Itoo, Minister for Health & Medical Education, School & Higher Education and Social Welfare Departments; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP, Additional Chief Secretaries; Administrative Secretaries; senior officials; citizens from different walks of life, and youth in large number participated in the Yoga session on the banks of Dal Lake.
