Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha led the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga, joining thousands of yoga enthusiasts in a grand session on the banks of Dal Lake.
Extending greetings to participants, the LG said Yoga continues to unite humanity and guide people toward a healthier and happier future. He emphasised that true health lies in balancing the body, mind, and emotions.
“While modern life constantly pulls our attention outward toward screens and stress, Yoga teaches us to turn inward. It is not just a workout but a pathway to oneself,” the Lieutenant Governor said, adding that Yoga helps align mind and body while strengthening inner awareness and connection with nature.
Highlighting its mental health benefits, LG Sinha said Yoga builds mental agility and helps individuals stay rooted in the present. “Our minds often drift toward past worries or future anxieties, but Yoga trains us to master the present moment. With focused breathing, stress reduces and emotional balance improves,” he said, noting that global health experts now recognize Yoga as a powerful lifestyle practice for improving memory, focus, and resilience.
He further stated that good health cannot be purchased but must be cultivated through discipline. “Like a plant that needs daily care, the body and mind require consistent practice. Yoga is about discipline and balance,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the growing global acceptance of Yoga under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, noting that India’s ancient practice has become a cornerstone of global wellness. He praised the AYUSH department for expanding access to Yoga across Jammu and Kashmir, from rural areas to urban centres.
Calling Yoga a force for social transformation, LG Sinha said it is contributing meaningfully to the “Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir” campaign by supporting both prevention and recovery efforts. He urged citizens to adopt Yoga as a daily discipline, even for a few minutes each day, to build long-term health.
Yoga Day celebrations were also marked by the live telecast of the Prime Minister’s address. The event saw participation from Ms Sakina Itoo, Minister for Health & Medical Education, School & Higher Education and Social Welfare Departments; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; DGP Nalin Prabhat; senior officials; and citizens from diverse backgrounds, with large participation of youth at Dal Lake.
