Yoga is India’s gift to world, says Guv on International Yoga Day

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today said that yoga was a priceless gift from the sages of India, designed not only to strengthen the body but also to unite the mind and the soul. In commemoration of the 11th International Yoga Day, a yoga session was organised at Raj Bhavan here today. The Governor was the chief guest and performed yoga alongside other participants. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also performed yoga ‘asanas’ on the occasion of International Yoga Day at his residence.

The Governor highlighted the relevance of yoga in promoting physical, mental and spiritual well-being. “While Maharishi Patanjali is revered for systematising yoga, the origin of yogic traditions can be traced back to Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the Adiyogi, the first yogi,” he said. “It is Lord Shiva who introduced yoga and is termed as the only source of this tradition,” which, he added, “was widely accepted by our sages and is carried forward to this day.”

He said it is a matter of great pride for every Indian that this ancient heritage has been revived and globally recognised, thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who played a big role in promoting yoga. The United Nations’ declaration of June 21 as International Yoga Day has brought worldwide attention and respect to India’s cultural legacy and today, numerous countries celebrate the day with enthusiasm.

Clarifying misconceptions, the Governor said that yoga was not related to any religion but was a holistic approach to health and consciousness. “People across the world have adopted yoga for physical health and now increasingly for spiritual awakening. Yoga is not just about physical postures, it is also about awakening and awareness,” he said.

The Governor urged people to embrace yoga as a way to lead a healthier, more balanced life and to address societal issues. “Yoga can help eradicate social evils, improve public health and combat substance abuse. Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful state and preserving its purity requires our collective efforts. Yoga can be a vital tool in that direction,” he added.

The yoga session was conducted under the expert guidance of Prof Satya Prakash Pathak from the Department of Yoga, Himachal Pradesh University. Officers and officials of Raj Bhavan, along with enthusiastic yoga students, participated actively in the event.