Gandhinagar, June 21: On Sunday, Gujarat celebrated the International Yoga Day on a grand scale. Ministers, public representatives, officials, students, and citizens participated in a collective yoga session, emphasizing the need to integrate yoga into daily life rather than treating it as an annual event.
In Porbandar, the 12th International Yoga Day was celebrated by the seaside, where participants gathered amidst the morning breeze and the views of the Arabian Sea.
State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia joined the attendees for the yoga session. Addressing the crowd, Modhwadia highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts have successfully connected the world with the ancient practice of yoga.
He noted that the United Nations’ recognition of June 21 as ‘International Yoga Day’ is a matter of pride for the country. Modhwadia stated that generations may change, but the nation will always remember Prime Minister Modi for giving global recognition to India’s ancient yoga tradition.
He described yoga as a vital part of India’s cultural heritage, aiding in the holistic development of body, mind, and spirit. The minister urged people not to limit yoga to a one-day celebration. He stressed the importance of making yoga an essential part of daily life.
Participants in the Porbandar event also watched a live broadcast of programs featuring the Prime Minister and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The event included selected representatives, district officials, Coast Guard and Navy officers, and local residents.
In Gandhinagar, the Gujarat State Yoga Board and the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation organized a special yoga program at Central Vista Garden, themed around healthy aging. Finance Minister Kamlesh Patel attended the event and emphasized yoga’s role in preventive healthcare.
He remarked that since the United Nations approved India’s proposal for International Yoga Day in 2014, yoga has evolved into a global lifestyle movement. Regular practice can help maintain physical and mental health over the long term.
Patel likened health insurance, which covers hospital bills when one falls ill, to yoga, which acts as a daily premium that keeps illness at bay. He encouraged everyone, especially women managing household responsibilities, to incorporate simple yoga practices into their daily routines whenever possible.
He further stated that just as smartphones require daily charging, yoga serves as a powerful charger for the body and mind. Additionally, he described pranayama as a natural method to support respiratory health.
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