Mass yoga session at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya led the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday, with over 3,000 participants joining the mass session. The event was held under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing". Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, known for his fitness advocacy, performed yoga alongside Mandaviya and other attendees.
Mandaviya urges daily yoga practice
Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya urged citizens to make yoga a part of their daily lives, describing it as India's gift to the world. He said, "Yoga is our culture. Yoga is also our nature. When the world was searching for peace, India gave Lord Buddha. When the world was striving to maintain its health, our sages gave yoga to the world. Yoga is not only our heritage, it is a gift given to the world, and hence, when the whole world celebrates Yoga Day on 21st June, all of us Indians should perform yoga. Make yoga a part of our daily routine. Try to keep yourself mentally and physically fit by doing yoga every day."
Akshay Kumar participates actively
Akshay Kumar, who maintains a disciplined fitness regime, actively participated in the event. He wore a white tracksuit featuring the Fit India logo as he joined thousands in performing yoga asanas. The actor's presence underscored the importance of physical fitness and healthy living.
Nationwide celebrations by Sports Ministry
The programme was part of the Sports Ministry's nationwide International Yoga Day celebrations. Simultaneous yoga sessions were conducted at Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, SAI Training Centres, and Khelo India institutions across the country.
Theme: Yoga for Healthy Ageing
The theme for this year's International Day of Yoga, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", reflects the increasing global focus on promoting active lifestyles and improving quality of life across all age groups. With lifestyle-related ailments and non-communicable diseases on the rise worldwide, the emphasis has shifted towards enhancing overall well-being and healthy longevity.
PM Modi leads national celebrations in Kolkata
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations from Kolkata's iconic Red Road, performing yoga alongside thousands of participants. He underscored yoga's ability to unite people across nations and cultures.
International Yoga Day as global wellness movement
Over the past decade, International Day of Yoga has evolved into one of the world's largest wellness movements, with India playing a central role in promoting holistic health, preventive healthcare, and sustainable living across the globe.
