Agartala, June 21 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday said that the importance of yoga in leading a disease-free, healthy and balanced life is immeasurable, while urging people to make the ancient practice an integral part of their daily routine.

Participating in the state-level celebration of the 12th International Yoga Day at the Hapania International Exhibition Hall on the outskirts of Agartala, the Chief Minister said that yoga has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Highlighting the global significance of yoga, Saha said that the ancient Indian tradition of yoga and pranayama is today conveying a unique message of human welfare, harmony and well-being across the world.

“On the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a proposal to observe ‘International Yoga Day’ was presented before the global community in 2014. With the unanimous support of a large number of countries, June 21 has been celebrated every year as International Yoga Day since 2015,” said Saha, who is a dental surgeon by profession.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, the Chief Minister said that he joined the mass yoga practice programme organised at the Hapania International Exhibition Hall to promote the benefits of yoga among people of all age groups.

“On this occasion, I urge everyone to build a healthy, balanced and conscious lifestyle through regular yoga practice. Yoga not only strengthens the body but also helps in achieving mental peace, discipline and inner harmony,” he said.

The programme witnessed the participation of Tripura Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Director General of Police Anurag, other ministers, MLAs, senior government officials and people from different sections of society, who joined the Chief Minister in performing yoga exercises and pranayama.

Meanwhile, Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu attended the Sepahijala district-level observance of the 12th International Yoga Day at Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Higher Secondary School in Charilam, where a large number of participants took part in the yoga session.

International Yoga Day was also celebrated across various districts, subdivisions and localities of the state with enthusiasm and active public participation.

Tripura Agriculture and Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said that, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, International Yoga Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour across the world on Sunday.

“As part of the global observance, the day was also marked across Tripura, including at the grassroots and local levels, with active participation from people belonging to different age groups and communities,” Nath said.

A vibrant Yoga Day programme was organised in the Mohanpur area, where students, youth representatives and local residents participated enthusiastically, adding energy and vibrancy to the celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, Nath emphasised that yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise but a holistic discipline that nurtures a healthy body, a calm mind and a balanced lifestyle. He noted that regular yoga practice helps improve overall well-being and contributes to a more productive and stress-free life.

The Minister called upon people to incorporate yoga into their daily routines and reaffirm their commitment to maintaining good health, inner strength and mental resilience through consistent practice.

The programmes held across Tripura formed part of the nationwide celebrations aimed at spreading awareness about the benefits of yoga and encouraging people to adopt healthier, more disciplined and sustainable lifestyles. The widespread participation in the events reflected the growing popularity of yoga and its relevance in promoting holistic wellness in modern life.

–IANS

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