New Delhi, 21 June (H.S.): Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday urged people to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives, saying that yoga and fitness must become a way of life if India is to realise its vision of becoming a developed nation.

Mandaviya participated in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. He was joined by actor and fitness icon Akshay Kumar. Around 3,000 participants gathered at the stadium for the mass yoga session organised by the Fit India Movement under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The Union Minister highlighted the role of the Fit India Movement in promoting behavioural change and preventive healthcare through community participation. Interacting with participants, Mandaviya emphasised the importance of maintaining good health by incorporating yoga, cycling and other fitness activities into everyday life.

Actor Akshay Kumar also underlined the significance of yoga in promoting physical as well as mental well-being and encouraged people to make fitness a regular habit.

The programme commenced with cultural performances, followed by the live streaming of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address from Kolkata. A session on the Common Yoga Protocol was subsequently conducted under the guidance of renowned yoga and wellness instructor Anshuka Parwani. She was honoured as a 'Fit India Icon' in recognition of her contribution to promoting yoga and wellness. Akshay Kumar was also felicitated as a 'Fit India Icon' for his contribution to encouraging fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

On the occasion, India's achievements in Yogasana were also acknowledged. Athletes who delivered outstanding performances at the recently concluded World Yogasana Sport Championship in Ahmedabad were honoured as 'Fit India Champions'.

The event was attended by Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, Youth Affairs Secretary Pallavi Jain Govil, senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India, along with members of the sporting fraternity.

Following the formal ceremony, participants took part in yoga-related activities, expert-guided wellness consultation sessions and demonstrations of Mallakhamb, showcasing India's traditional fitness practices.

The nationwide celebrations reflected strong synergy among flagship initiatives such as Fit India, MY Bharat and Yogasana Bharat, reinforcing the collective commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle across the country.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar