Jabalpur, June 21 (IANS) On the occasion of the 12th International Yoga Day, President Droupadi Murmu participated in a grand yoga event at Garrison Ground in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, on Sunday, inspiring citizens to embrace yoga for a healthier life.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav joined her, while Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in a parallel programme in Ambikapur.

The celebrations aligned with this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Elderly’, highlighting yoga’s vital role in promoting wellness across all age groups, especially senior citizens.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu extended warm greetings to yoga enthusiasts across India and the world.

“I am delighted to be present on the holy land of Jabalpur,” she said. “I wish all yoga seekers at home and abroad a very happy International Yoga Day. Yoga has shown humanity the path to a healthy, balanced, and meaningful life.”

The President described yoga as a “precious gift” of India’s ancient cultural heritage to the global community. Rooted in thousands of years of tradition, yoga, she noted, establishes harmony between body, mind, and soul — a principle deeply embedded in Indian scriptures.

“Yoga literally means joining society with nature itself. It serves as a powerful means of connecting the entire humanity to global consciousness,” she emphasised.

President Murmu further observed that in today’s world, facing numerous challenges, yoga guides humanity towards peace, balance, harmony, and collective welfare.

Since the United Nations declared June 21 as International Yoga Day, its practice has gained tremendous momentum worldwide, becoming an integral part of daily routines for millions seeking physical and mental well-being.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav echoed these sentiments, calling yoga a “priceless heritage” of ancient Indian culture.

He highlighted the Ashtanga Yoga system propounded by Maharishi Patanjali, which goes beyond physical fitness to foster holistic development of body, mind, and soul.

“By regularly practising yoga, we can achieve a healthy body, a calm mind, and a happy, balanced, and joyful life,” CM Yadav said.

Hundreds of participants, including citizens of all ages, performed yoga asanas together, creating an atmosphere of unity and wellness. The focus on healthy ageing this year underscores yoga’s accessibility and relevance for senior citizens, helping them maintain mobility, mental clarity, and emotional balance. S

–IANS

sktr/dpb