SRINAGAR: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir marked the 12th International Day of Yoga with a large-scale yoga session on the banks of Dal Lake, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who joined thousands of yoga enthusiasts in celebrating the global event.
Extending greetings to participants, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted this year’s International Day of Yoga theme and underscored yoga’s role in promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being. He said yoga had emerged as a powerful force for uniting humanity and guiding people towards a healthier and happier future.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said true health lay in achieving balance between the body, mind and emotions. He observed that while modern life often drew attention towards screens, distractions and stress, yoga encouraged individuals to look inward and cultivate self-awareness.
“True health means balancing the body, mind, and emotions. While modern life constantly pulls our attention outward to screens and stress, Yoga teaches us to turn inward. Proud to see this ancient Indian tradition become the cornerstone of global health,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor described yoga as more than a physical exercise, calling it a pathway to self-discovery. He said the practice helped align the mind and body, enabled individuals to better understand their thoughts and strengthened their connection with nature.
Highlighting the mental health benefits of yoga, Sinha said the discipline enhanced mental agility and helped people remain focused on the present moment rather than dwelling on past concerns or future anxieties. He noted that controlled breathing and regular practice contributed to stress reduction, improved memory, greater concentration and emotional balance.
“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.
Emphasising the importance of discipline, the Lieutenant Governor said good health could not be purchased but had to be cultivated through consistent effort. Comparing the human mind and body to a plant that requires daily care, he said yoga embodied the discipline needed to maintain long-term well-being.
Sinha also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for popularising yoga globally and said India had shown the world the path to holistic health centuries ago. He praised the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir AYUSH Department in expanding access to yoga across rural and urban areas of the Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor further said yoga was contributing significantly to the “Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir” campaign by supporting both prevention and recovery efforts. He urged people to adopt yoga as a daily practice, stating that even a few minutes of regular exercise could lead to lasting health benefits.
“Yoga transcends all barriers and it is a universal science for humanity,” he said.
As part of the celebrations, the address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga was telecast live for participants.
Among those who attended the event were Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior government officials, administrative secretaries, citizens from different walks of life and a large number of youth.
The mass yoga session was held along the scenic banks of Dal Lake and formed part of nationwide celebrations marking the International Day of Yoga.
