Karnataka Governor, Health Minister, enthusiasts participate in yoga demonstration in front of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru

Hundreds of yoga enthusiasts led by Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot and Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao participated in a mass yoga demonstration to mark the 11th International Yoga Day on June 21.

The event, organised by the AYUSH Ministry on the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, was part of a nationwide ‘Yoga Sangam’ initiative. Organised by the Karnataka AYUSH Department in collaboration with yoga associations, civil society groups, and wellness organisations, the celebration in Bengaluru was one of the largest yoga gatherings in Karnataka.

Inaugurating the event, the Governor emphasised the importance of yoga as a unifying force and a path to holistic health. He participated in various yoga asanas along with the Health Minister and other dignitaries, inspiring the public to inculcate a healthy lifestyle.

Yoga at NIMHANS

The Department of Integrative Medicine at NIMHANS, organised yoga sessions dedicated to promoting mental well-being through yoga. This year’s celebration featured a unique initiative titled ‘Yoga Samavesha – A Yoga-based Mental Health Initiative for Older Adults’, supported by the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), Union Ministry of AYUSH. 

Aimed at bringing attention to the mental health needs of senior citizens and older adults, particularly those residing in old age homes across Bengaluru, this programme witnessed participation by groups of senior citizens from across Bengaluru. The session was specially designed and tailored to support their mental health, emotional balance, and physical vitality, doctors said.

Separate mass yoga sessions were organised for staff and students at Gymkhana ground, and for patients at Ashwini Hall in NIMHANS.

Elsewhere in the city, Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra led a yoga session with party workers at the office of the BJP.