Anitha Leads Yoga Drive For Drug-Free AP

VIJAYAWADA: Calling for a drug-free, healthy and happy Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha on Sunday led a massive Police Yogandhra programme on the BRTS Road in Vijayawada, where around 5,000 yoga enthusiasts, police personnel and government officials participated as part of the state's International Yoga Day campaign.

The programme was organised under the aegis of the NTR district police commissionerate as part of the state government's Yogandhra initiative being conducted from June 7 to June 21 ahead of International Yoga Day. The event was led by NTR district police commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu and witnessed participation from police personnel, home guards, traffic ambassadors, cyber soldiers, intelligence units, OCTOPUS teams and members of the public.

Addressing the gathering, Anita said yoga, a gift of Indian civilisation that dates back over 5,000 years, had gained worldwide recognition after Prime Minister Narendra Modi championed the observance of International Yoga Day at the United Nations in 2014. She noted that yoga is accessible to all sections of society, requiring nothing more than a mat, unlike costly fitness alternatives.

The minister praised the Vijayawada Police Commissionerate for organising the programme on a grand scale and urged citizens to make yoga a lifelong habit rather than restricting it to a fortnight-long campaign. She also highlighted the state's anti-drug drive, stating that initiatives such as “Dandayatra on Drugs 2.0” were helping bring positive behavioural change among substance users. “We want a ganja-free Andhra Pradesh, a healthy Andhra Pradesh and a happy Andhra Pradesh,” she said.

State health commissioner G. Veera Pandian said the government launched Yogandhra with the objective of building a healthier and happier society. He observed that 45 minutes of yoga daily could help prevent illnesses, improve mental well-being and enable individuals to cope with stress effectively.

Commissioner Rajasekhar Babu said the programme held special significance for the police department, which faces high levels of occupational stress. He revealed that more than 1,000 identified drug-positive individuals participated in the event and were being counselled and rehabilitated through a coordinated effort involving the police, health department and district administration. Authorities hope that all of them will test drug-free by June 21.

The event also featured impressive artistic yoga performances by children and guided meditation sessions highlighting the health benefits of breath control and mindfulness.