Yoga is India’s heritage, healthy body is foundation of a strong nation: CM

Jhansi: Stating that a healthy body is the foundation of a strong nation, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that yoga should not remain confined to June 21 alone and must become a part of everyday life.“The festivals and traditions established by India’s ancient sages were rooted in the spirit of harmony with nature. The objective of Indian culture has always been to create a balanced life through coexistence with nature,” the CM said after participating in a mass yoga session in Jhansi on the occasion of International Day of Yoga. Under this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing,’ Yogi also released the ayush department’s e-magazine.He said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role in securing global recognition for India’s traditions and heritage. Owing to his efforts, 1.4 billion Indians are moving forward with pride on the global stage, and the vision of Viksit Bharat has gained new momentum. Every year, the PM personally participates in International Day of Yoga celebrations in different states, taking the movement to greater heights.”

“The scriptures state, ‘Shariramadyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam’ (the body is the primary instrument for fulfilling one’s duties and aspirations). Without a healthy and disease-free body, no individual can achieve life’s goals. A healthy student with a healthy mind can attain success, a healthy farmer can achieve new milestones in agriculture, a healthy worker can contribute to development and nation-building, and a healthy scientist can drive innovation and research.

Healthy citizens are the foundation of a healthy nation,” he said.Yogi noted that PM Modi has set a record as India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. He has worked to restore respect for India’s heritage and establish it on the global stage. Today, nearly 200 countries are connected with yoga. Across the world, yoga has generated immense interest and participation. The Prime Minister has also opened new avenues of employment and opportunities for Indian youth in the fields of ayush and traditional medicine,” he said.CM said, “The ayush department in

Uttar Pradesh

continues to work actively to promote wellness. If the body is healthy, the mind remains healthy; a healthy mind leads to sound intellect, and a sound intellect nurtures the soul. Since the soul is the abode of the Divine, a healthy body forms the basis of a meaningful life, and yoga is one of the most effective means to achieve it.”“Indian culture celebrates Navratri twice a year, reflecting the science of energy and nature.

Navratri coincides with seasonal transitions, when nature offers renewed energy. June 21 holds special significance because it is the longest day of the year, receiving the maximum duration of sunlight. The Sun is regarded as the father of the universe. The closer individuals and plant life remain to the Sun, the greater their energy, vitality, and potential.

Yoga Day offers an opportunity to connect our inner energy with the energy of nature,” he added.“The tradition of yoga originated with Adiyogi Lord Shiva and was carried across the world by sages and seers. There was a time when India began to forget this great heritage, but due to the efforts of PM Modi, the nation has once again begun taking pride in its cultural legacy,” the CM said.Referring to this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing,’ CM Yogi cited a scriptural verse: ‘Na Tasya Rogo Na Jara Na Mrityuh Praptasya Yogagnimayam Shariram’, which means that a person whose body has been strengthened through the fire of yoga remains free from disease, premature ageing, and weakness.

He said, “If people wish to protect themselves from illness and early ageing, they must make yoga a regular part of their lives.He expressed happiness that Governor

Anandiben Patel

is leading Yoga Day celebrations across the state. Deputy CM

Keshav Prasad Maurya

participated in Prayagraj, while deputy CM Brajesh Pathak joined celebrations in Lucknow. Other ministers, senior administrative officers, and police officials also participated in events across different districts.He noted that International Day of Yoga is being celebrated with grandeur and devotion in all gram panchayats, 825 development block headquarters, 350 tehsils, and 762 urban local bodies across Uttar Pradesh.