Itanagar, Jun 21: Deputy Chief Minister on Sunday described yoga as India’s priceless gift to humanity and said the ancient practice has transcended geographical, cultural and linguistic boundaries to become a global movement for health and wellness.
Speaking during the 12th International Yoga Day celebrations organized by the BJP Arunachal Pradesh unit at the Khelo India Indoor Badminton Stadium near Malo Tarin Government Higher Secondary School here, Mein said yoga has been practiced in India for thousands of years and continues to guide people towards a healthier, more disciplined and balanced way of life.
The programme was attended by State BJP president Kaling Moyong, Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona, MLAs Chow Zingnu Namchoom and Topin Ete, senior party leaders, office bearers, karyakartas and members of the public.
Highlighting yoga's global recognition, Mein credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for successfully bringing yoga to the international stage by proposing the observance of International Yoga Day at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. He recalled that the proposal received unprecedented support from a record 175 member states and was subsequently adopted by the United Nations, leading to the declaration of June 21 as International Yoga Day.
"Since then, millions of people across the world have participated in Yoga Day celebrations every year, making it one of the most widely observed international events," Mein said.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged people to embrace yoga as a daily practice, stating that it promotes physical fitness, mental well-being and emotional balance while helping individuals cope with the stresses of modern life.
State BJP president Kaling Moyong also emphasized the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life. He stated that yoga is not merely a physical exercise but a way of life that helps individuals achieve harmony between the body, mind, and spirit.
He urged citizens, especially the younger generation, to embrace yoga as a daily habit and not confine its practice to a single day of celebration. He noted that in today’s fast-paced world, where stress and lifestyle-related diseases are increasing, yoga serves as a powerful tool for maintaining good health and enhancing overall quality of life.
Earlier, participants took part in a mass yoga session led by trained instructors, performing various yoga asanas and breathing exercises in line with this year's theme promoting holistic health and well-being.
Minister Sona and other leaders also highlighted the significance of yoga in promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraged people to dedicate a few minutes every day to the practice of yoga for both physical and mental well-being.