Governor Kavinder Gupta led the 12th International Yoga Day celebrations by participating in a mass yoga session held at the historic Ridge ground in Shimla. The event was jointly organised by the Himachal Pradesh Police Department and the Department of AYUSH.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that India’s ancient tradition of yoga has gained global acceptance and now connects people across the world. He urged citizens to adopt yoga in their daily lives, emphasizing its role in building a healthy and balanced society.
He said, “A healthy body forms the foundation of a healthy mind. Yoga offers a complete path to physical fitness, mental stability and spiritual growth.” He also highlighted that yoga should be promoted in every household to ensure overall well-being.
Accompanied by Lady Governor Bindu Gupta, he actively participated in the yoga session and encouraged citizens from all sections of society to make yoga a regular part of their lifestyle.
The yoga session was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Satya Prakash Pathak from the Department of Yoga Studies, Himachal Pradesh University. Students of the department demonstrated and guided participants through pranayama and various yoga postures during the nearly 90-minute session.
Earlier in the programme, the Governor administered a pledge for a Drug-Free Himachal Pradesh. He also felicitated individuals who excelled in yoga with certificates of appreciation.
On the occasion, Governor Gupta said that due to the visionary initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, International Yoga Day is now being observed in 189 countries. Referring to this year’s theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” he said yoga is emerging as a global movement promoting wellness and active living.
He described yoga as a priceless gift of India’s sages to humanity, stating that it strengthens the body while also harmonising mind and soul. He added that the global recognition of yoga, especially after its declaration as International Yoga Day by the United Nations, is a matter of pride for India.
The Governor further noted that yoga is evolving beyond physical exercise and is increasingly being embraced as a path to inner peace and self-realisation. He said it can play a significant role in addressing public health challenges and promoting social harmony.
Emphasising the need for collective responsibility, he said Himachal Pradesh’s natural beauty must be preserved through disciplined and healthy living, and yoga can serve as a strong tool in building a drug-free society.
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