Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 21 Thousands of enthusiastic participants of all ages gathered at various venues across Kashmir to celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day today, undeterred by the inclement weather.
The main event took place at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led hundreds of people, including government employees, students, and teachers, in performing yoga. Prime Minister Modi was virtually connected to other mass yoga sessions across the valley, much to the delight of many participants.
“It was very special, as PM Modi was virtually connected with us. Yoga is good for mental health, and everyone should do it,” said a participant at the mass yoga session at the hockey stadium in Pulwama, South Kashmir. She urged young people to incorporate yoga into their lives to combat depression and anxiety.
Despite the incessant rainfall, thousands of practitioners gathered at different locations across the valley, performing various poses and breathing exercises. In North Kashmir, over a thousand participants, including CRPF jawans, volunteers, and the general public, attended the yoga sessions at Showkat Ali Stadium in Baramulla.
“Despite the inclement weather, a good number of people participated in the event, which is a good sign. I am thankful to all the participants,” said Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa.
Shafiya, a student at Degree College Baramulla, expressed her excitement about the event. “The best thing about the event was that the Prime Minister performed yoga with the common people. It is a big thing for us that Modi also participated. Yoga is important for mental peace,” she said.
A similar function was held at Degree College Anantnag, where hundreds of participants, including teachers, students, and others, gathered for a mass yoga session.
At the picturesque Gulmarg, a yoga session brought together a diverse group of participants, including students, officials, hoteliers, and local stakeholders. The celebrations aimed to promote the holistic benefits of yoga, fostering both physical and mental well-being within the community and among visitors. Waseem Raja, Chief Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority, expressed his gratitude, “I am grateful to all the participants and partners for their support and enthusiasm in making the event a grand success despite the weather.”
The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) celebrated International Yoga Day with a special event attended by students and staff. Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo highlighted this year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society.” “The ancient Indian tradition of yoga has been scientifically proven to impact health and wellness positively. The declaration of June 21 as International Yoga Day by the United Nations is a testament to the global recognition of this practice,” Prof. Romshoo said.
The Indian Army organized yoga sessions for troops deployed in far-flung areas under extreme weather conditions and rugged terrains to spread awareness of the benefits of yoga in promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. “Yoga was conducted all across Kashmir Valley along with Badami Bagh Cantt in Srinagar. Local Kashmiri populace and Civil administration collaborated closely with the Indian Army, contributing significantly to the grand session,” an army spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) also celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga with great enthusiasm on the campus. A spokesperson mentioned that Director NIT, A Ravinder Nath, who attended the Yoga session, highlighted yoga as a vital practice for enhancing physical health, mental clarity, and emotional stability. “He also encouraged everyone to embrace yoga as a lifelong practice to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle,” he said.
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