Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led the Union Territory in celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga on Sunday, joining thousands of yoga enthusiasts for a session by the Dal Lake in Srinagar.
Yoga Unites the World
Extending warm greetings to participants, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted this year's theme and emphasised yoga's power to unite humanity. "Yoga truly unites the world and guides us toward a healthier and happier future," he said.
"True health means balancing the body, mind and emotions. While modern life constantly pulls our attention outwards to screens and stress, yoga teaches us to turn inward. Proud to see this ancient Indian tradition become the cornerstone of global health," Sinha added.
Pathway to Yourself
The Lieutenant Governor described yoga as more than a workout. "Yoga is not just a workout but a pathway to yourself. Amidst the noise of routine activities of life, yoga aligns mind and body, helps us decode our inner thoughts and connects us with nature," he stated.
Sinha stressed yoga's role in building mental agility. "While our minds naturally drift to past worries or future anxieties, yoga trains us to master the present moment. The science of yoga is truly remarkable. By simply focusing on the breath, the mind settles and stress reduction begins. Various studies show that regular practice boosts memory, mental focus and emotional balance. That is why global health experts today recommend yoga as the most powerful lifestyle change you can make for your health," he said.
Discipline for Health
The Lieutenant Governor told yoga enthusiasts that good health cannot be bought but must be cultivated through discipline. "Like a plant which needs water daily, our mind and body require consistent discipline, and yoga is exactly about discipline. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga is popular across the world and I am proud to see global medical experts championing yoga as a vital tool for mental resilience and a balanced life. India showed the world the path to holistic health centuries ago," Sinha remarked.
He further said yoga teaches to live not just longer, but better. "I am happy to see the Jammu and Kashmir AYUSH Department working tirelessly to democratise yoga, making it accessible to every citizen from rural towns to urban centres."
Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir
Sinha noted yoga's role in the 'Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir' movement. "Yoga is driving real change in the 'Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir' movement, helping both prevention and recovery. I want people to make yoga a daily discipline. Just a few minutes every day builds long-term health. Yoga transcends all barriers and it is a universal science for humanity," the L-G said.
Sakina Itoo, Minister for Health and Medical Education, School and Higher Education and Social Welfare Departments; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Additional Chief Secretaries; Administrative Secretaries; senior officials; citizens from different walks of life; and a large number of youth participated in the yoga session on the banks of Dal Lake.
