Celebration of 8th International Day of Yoga on 21st June, 2022

Celebration of 8th International Day of Yoga on 21st June, 2022

Today, the Ministry of Tourism celebrated the 8th International Day of Yoga at Parade Ground, Secunderabad, Telangana. The event was led by the Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Culture and DoNER, Shri. G Kishan Reddy. The Chief Guest of the event was the Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri M Venkaiah Naidu. The event was attended by more than 15,000 participants which included  Badminton Player, Padma Bhushan, and Arjuna Awardee Ms. PV Sandhu, and Film Actor Shri. Adivi Sesh, Members of Legislative Assembly,  President of Telangana Yoga Teachers Association, Yoga Institutes and association, Colleges, Schools, Para Military forces, Media, local administration, and other dignitaries.

Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Culture and DoNER, Shri. G Kishan Reddy welcomed the guests and talked about the importance of yoga in everyday life. Thereafter Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi virtually addressed the gathering from Mysuru.

Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri M Venkaiah Naidu performed yoga and addressed the participants. Describing the meaning of Yoga as ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’, He said it emphasizes the unity and harmony between the mind and body, and man & nature. “On this occasion, I would urge everyone to work for the unity and harmony among all sections of the society.”

The Vice President stressed the need to take inspiration from our ancient philosophy and work for not just transforming our minds and bodies but also the overall transformation of the nation. Quoting from Gita, he described ‘Yoga’ as ‘Excellence in action’ and wanted this to be the ‘mantra’ for every Indian to take the country forward. “If you excel in your chosen field and perform your duties honestly, the nation will certainly progress faster”, he added.

Emphasizing the importance of good health in one’s life, Shri Naidu highlighted the importance of events like ‘International Yoga Day’ in promoting good health and happiness among the citizens.

Mentioning this year’s theme for Yoga Day – ‘Yoga for Humanity’, the Vice President underlined the role of Yoga in ensuring holistic physical and mental health and well-being among the masses. Referring to increasing mental health issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that the pandemic has made Yoga altogether more important to build resilience and improve our health

After the address of the Hon’ble Vice President, all the participants performed yoga as per Common Yoga Protocol.  

Shri Prahlad Singh Patel jointly addresses webinar “Yoga: The way of life” with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar organised by Tourism Ministry on International Day of Yoga

In continuation of week long celebration of International Day of Yoga 2021, the Ministry of Tourism organised a webinar “Yoga: The way of life” in the presence of Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (I/C) Shri Prahlad Singh Patel and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. During the webinar, Tourism Minister welcomed Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and stated how yoga has helped during pandemic period and is contributing to wellbeing of people across the globe. Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition, centuries-old techniques aimed towards healing, growth, and self-realisation. Yoga is a holistic approach towards healthy body, mind and soul, the Minister explained.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar spoke about the yoga and pranayam and its significance in today’s scenario. He also mentioned that yoga is the key to the happiness for an individual as well as community. Yoga not only brings benefits such as health and joy, but also uplifts the spirit and enhances intuitive ability which is much needed for governance. He also mentioned about how yoga and meditation helped people to fight depression and manage the situations without getting stressed.

During the discussion, Shri Arvind Singh Secretary (Tourism) took viewpoint of Gurudev Ji on post pandemic how to attract foreign tourists or promotion of India at an International level. Gurudev ji urged upon promoting India’s heritage & culture, niche products, special focus on North-East region and to showcase India’s ancient heritage as well as the modern India. Smt. Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General (Tourism) thanked Gurudev Sri SriRavi Shanka ji for his time to attend the webinar and invaluable guidance on the International Day of Yoga 2021.

Earlier in the morning, Sh Prahlad Singh Patel led the yoga performance at the historic Red Fort in which the officers of Tourism and Culture Ministries participated including Tourism Secretary Sh Arvind Singh and Addl DG, Tourism, Ms Rupinder Brar. Tourism Ministry also supported Culture Ministry in organising yoga performances at heritage sites across India under the campaign ‘Yoga, An Indian Heritage’.

Ministry of Tourism’s field offices across India and overseas held several weeklong activities celebrating the International Day of Yoga 2021 including live demonstrations of yoga from yoga experts, Yoga events with restricted number of participants, various online contests including drawing, poster designing, yoga postures, quiz competitions workshops etc.