Srinagar, June 21,2026- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that yoga is a lifelong companion that supports individuals throughout their lives and should not be viewed merely as a tool to cope with difficult situations. He emphasized that yoga offers a holistic path to physical health, mental well-being, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth, making it relevant for people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Lieutenant Governor made these remarks while addressing a large gathering during the celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the banks of the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from people representing diverse sections of society, including students, youth, government officials, security personnel, healthcare professionals, sportspersons, yoga practitioners, and members of civil society.
The grand celebration was organized as part of nationwide events marking International Day of Yoga, observed every year on June 21. The event highlighted the growing acceptance of yoga as a powerful means of achieving a balanced and healthy lifestyle while reinforcing India’s contribution to global wellness.
Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha underscored the significance of yoga in contemporary times, when people across the world are facing increasing levels of stress, anxiety, lifestyle disorders, and other health challenges.
“Yoga is a lifelong companion, not merely a support system during crises. It strengthens the body, calms the mind, and nurtures the spirit. It helps individuals maintain balance in their lives and equips them to face challenges with confidence and resilience,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that yoga is much more than a set of physical exercises. It is a comprehensive philosophy that integrates the body, mind, and soul and provides a pathway to inner harmony and self-awareness.
He observed that the ancient Indian practice has become increasingly relevant in the modern world, where rapid technological advancement, changing lifestyles, and demanding work environments often contribute to physical and mental health concerns.
“Yoga teaches discipline, mindfulness, and self-control. It encourages people to live consciously and make healthier choices. In today’s fast-paced world, these values are more important than ever,” he added.
Tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
During his address, the Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his role in popularizing yoga across the globe and transforming it into an international movement.
He said the entire nation is grateful to the Prime Minister for presenting yoga before the global community and ensuring that this ancient Indian tradition receives the recognition it deserves.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has emerged as a global movement for health, wellness, and harmony. The nation is grateful to him for taking yoga to every corner of the world and inspiring millions of people to embrace this invaluable gift of India,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor recalled that the United Nations adopted June 21 as the International Day of Yoga following India’s proposal in 2014, an initiative that received overwhelming support from countries across the world.
Since then, International Day of Yoga has grown into one of the largest global movements dedicated to health and wellness, with millions of people participating in yoga sessions and awareness programmes annually.
According to the Lieutenant Governor, the worldwide acceptance of yoga demonstrates its universal appeal and its ability to transcend geographical, cultural, and social boundaries.
“Yoga belongs to humanity. It is India’s gift to the world, and today people from every continent are benefiting from its transformative power,” he said.
Theme of Healthy Living and Wellness
The event at SKICC focused on promoting wellness, preventive healthcare, and healthy living through regular yoga practice.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the importance of adopting yoga as a daily habit rather than treating it as an occasional activity.
He encouraged citizens to dedicate a few minutes each day to yoga and meditation, noting that consistent practice can significantly improve physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional stability.
“Yoga should become an integral part of our daily routine. Even a short session each day can bring lasting benefits. It improves flexibility, strengthens immunity, reduces stress, and enhances overall quality of life,” he said.
He further observed that yoga plays a crucial role in preventive healthcare by helping people maintain healthy lifestyles and reducing the risk of various non-communicable diseases.
Healthcare experts around the world increasingly recognize the benefits of yoga in managing stress, improving cardiovascular health, enhancing respiratory function, and supporting mental well-being.
The Lieutenant Governor said that promoting yoga aligns with broader efforts to build healthier and happier communities.
Enthusiastic Participation from All Sections of Society
The celebrations at SKICC witnessed enthusiastic participation from people of all age groups.
The picturesque venue, surrounded by the scenic beauty of Srinagar, provided an ideal setting for the mass yoga session.
Participants performed a series of yoga asanas, breathing exercises, and meditation practices under the guidance of trained instructors. The session focused on promoting physical fitness, relaxation, concentration, and mindfulness.
Students from educational institutions participated with great enthusiasm, reflecting the growing awareness about the importance of yoga among younger generations.
Government officials, members of security forces, healthcare workers, and representatives of various organizations also joined the event, underscoring the widespread appeal of yoga.
Many participants described the experience as refreshing and inspiring, emphasizing the positive impact that yoga has on both physical and mental health.
The collective participation demonstrated the spirit of unity and shared commitment to wellness that International Day of Yoga seeks to promote.
Yoga and Mental Well-Being
A major theme highlighted during the celebrations was the role of yoga in improving mental health.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that modern society faces increasing mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout.
He said yoga provides effective tools for managing these challenges by promoting mindfulness, relaxation, and emotional balance.
“Yoga helps individuals cultivate inner peace and mental resilience. It enables people to manage stress more effectively and develop a positive outlook on life,” he said.
He added that practices such as meditation and controlled breathing have proven benefits for mental well-being and can help individuals maintain emotional stability during difficult times.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed the importance of integrating yoga into educational institutions and workplaces to support mental health and overall well-being.
Promoting Yoga Across Jammu and Kashmir
The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the efforts of various departments, educational institutions, sports organizations, and community groups in promoting yoga across Jammu and Kashmir.
He noted that awareness about yoga has grown significantly in recent years, with increasing participation in yoga-related activities throughout the Union Territory.
Numerous programmes have been organized in schools, colleges, sports facilities, public spaces, and remote areas to encourage people to adopt yoga as a way of life.
The Lieutenant Governor said these initiatives have helped bring the benefits of yoga to a wider audience and fostered a culture of health and wellness.
He expressed confidence that the growing popularity of yoga would contribute to the overall well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Yoga as a Bridge Between Tradition and Modernity
During his address, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also highlighted yoga’s unique ability to connect ancient wisdom with contemporary needs.
He said that despite being rooted in India’s rich cultural heritage, yoga remains highly relevant in addressing modern-day challenges.
“Yoga represents the timeless wisdom of our civilization. It provides solutions that are both ancient and modern, helping people achieve balance in an increasingly complex world,” he remarked.
He emphasized that yoga promotes harmony not only within individuals but also within society by encouraging values such as compassion, discipline, and mutual respect.
The Lieutenant Governor said the continued global growth of yoga reflects humanity’s search for sustainable approaches to health, happiness, and inner peace.
A Collective Commitment to Wellness
As the event concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to incorporating yoga into their daily lives and spreading awareness about its benefits within their communities.
The celebration served as a reminder of the enduring relevance of yoga and its capacity to improve lives across generations.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha urged citizens to view yoga not merely as a physical exercise but as a comprehensive lifestyle practice that promotes holistic well-being.
He reiterated that yoga has the power to transform individuals and societies by fostering health, harmony, and resilience.
The grand International Day of Yoga celebration at SKICC reflected the growing enthusiasm for yoga across Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted India’s continuing leadership in promoting wellness worldwide.
As participants dispersed after the event, the message remained clear: yoga is not just an activity for a single day but a lifelong companion capable of guiding individuals toward healthier, happier, and more meaningful lives.
