Participating in the International Yoga Day events organised at Lohia Park, Kudiyan Ghat and Moti Mahal in Lucknow, Sharma said, “The centuries-old Indian knowledge systems have gained worldwide recognition due to the efforts of Prime Minister Modi, who got June 21 declared as International Yoga Day at the United Nations.” Further emphasising that millions across the globe practice yoga as they recognise its benefits, Sharma stated that yoga and Ayurveda served as a “protective shield” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Yoga ensures mental peace, enhances physical health, and promotes positive energy, which in turn increases work efficiency,” he added.

In Varanasi, Union Minister of State Anupriya Patel joined the yoga session at the Assi Ghat.

“Today, the whole world is adopting yoga. We 140 crore Indians should not lag behind. We should make it a daily routine, not just observe it on yoga day,” she said.

She emphasised that, due to stress, poor diet, and an irregular lifestyle, yoga plays a crucial role in maintaining both physical and mental health.

In Mathura, local MP Hema Malini underscored the importance of yoga for overall well-being and credited Prime Minister Modi for giving yoga international recognition. She also planted a sapling as part of the celebrations.

“Yoga is not just about physical fitness but also mental wellness. It helps relieve stress, and its relevance has increased in today’s context,” she said.

Rajya Sabha MP Tejveer Singh Chaudhary said, “India is a land of sages and saints who used to practice yoga and lived a long life. Therefore, to have a healthy and long life and to save humanity, yoga is very important.” Further hailing the initiative by Modi, he called on people to incorporate yoga into their lifestyle and practice it to stay physically and mentally healthy.

Former union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, who participated in the International Yoga Day celebrations in Rampur, said in a post on X, “Today, I performed Yoga along with a large number of people from all sections of society at Roshan Baag, Civil Lines, Rampur on the occasion of #InternationalYogaDay.” He also mentioned that yoga has transcended regional and religious barriers, becoming a significant aspect of good health for all of humanity.

“Some people are trying to spread “political pollution” over Yoga. However, Yoga is the best medicine to cure their “mental illness”, Naqvi’s post further read.

IDY was also observed in the madrassas of the Sambhal district, with students actively participating in yoga sessions. The initiative was praised for promoting good health along with traditional education.

At Madrassa Ziaul Uloom Saraitareen, Madrassa Sirajul Uloom Hilali Sarai, and Madrassa Hamidiyah Ashrafiya Tiwari Sarai, students performed yoga asanas. Maulana Zahirul Islam, Imam-e-Idgah and chief guest at one event, said, “Yoga is called ‘warzish’ in Urdu. There is no objection to yoga in Islam.” Special events were organised in old age homes and Sarvodaya schools, participated in by both the elderly and students, the UP government said in a statement.

The Social Welfare Department organised special yoga programmes in old age homes and Jai Prakash Narayan Sarvodaya schools operating in all 75 districts of the state.

Yoga instructors spread awareness about the benefits of yoga and its importance in life, taking a strong step towards making the deprived sections of society healthy and empowered, the statement added.

More than 6,500 elderly people living in old age homes operating in all 75 districts of the state performed yoga on this occasion under the guidance of experts.

At the same time, students of Sarvodaya schools took a pledge for a ‘healthy life’ by performing group yoga along with their teachers and trainers.

In the Deoria district, a grand yoga event was held at the Ravindra Kishore Shahi Sports Stadium. MP Shashank Mani Tripathi, MLA Shalabh Mani Tripathi, Urban Development Department Secretary Ajay Kumar Shukla, District Magistrate Divya Mittal and other senior officials participated.

“Yoga purifies not only the body but also the mind and inspires us all towards a healthy and balanced life,” Shukla said. PTI COR CDN NAV MPL MPL