Governor Emphasises Significance of Yoga as a Way of Life

 Hyderabad: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla underlined the significance of yoga as a way of life, not merely an exercise, by stating that it unites body, mind and spirit, offering physical health, mental tranquillity and spiritual balance. He highlighted the Centre’s cultural initiatives over the past 12 years — Unesco recognitions, elevating 11 Indian languages to classical status, digitisation of over 1.2 million manuscripts and repatriation of 668 artefacts — as steps to preserve India’s heritage and project its civilisational strengths.

Addressing a large number of students and other participants as part of ‘24-hour countdown’ ahead of International Yoga Day at Parade Ground in Secunderabad on Saturday, the Governor lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to secure June 21 as International Yoga Day at the UN, saying the global embrace of yoga reflects India’s ancient knowledge systems.

Union minister G. Kishan Reddy said that a preparatory yoga event here had become a distinctive local tradition, held on June 20 for seven years. He said thousands right from children to senior citizens, Governors, celebrities, national leaders, parliamentarians and yoga practitioners, have been taking part enthusiastically in this event, reflecting robust public interest ahead of International Yoga Day.

BJP state president N. Ramchander Rao told the gathering that yoga was a “divine medicine” for students as it reduced mental stress and urged students to adopt regular practice to build physical resilience and concentration. He credited Prime Minister Modi for popularising yoga globally. Malkajgiri MP Etala Rajender emphasised the need for youth to incorporate yoga into daily life to strengthen their physical and mental fitness, calling it essential for the nation’s future.