New Delhi, 21 June (H.S.):

Political and social leaders across the country came together to convey a unified message on the importance of yoga as India celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga with enthusiasm and widespread public participation on Sunday. President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several other senior leaders described yoga as a powerful means of promoting physical well-being, mental peace and nation-building.

Addressing a gathering at the Sadar Garrison Ground in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, President Droupadi Murmu said yoga forms the foundation of a healthy individual, a healthy family, a healthy society, a healthy nation and a healthy world. She appealed to all citizens to resolve to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives.

Speaking at a yoga programme in Ahmedabad, Union Home Minister Amit Shah described yoga as India's priceless gift to humanity that promotes the holistic well-being of the mind, body and soul. He urged people to embrace yoga for a healthy, strong and balanced life.

At a programme held in Jalandhar, Punjab, Bharatiya Janata Party National President Nitin Navin said yoga is an invaluable gift from India's ancient sages to the world, offering physical and mental balance along with inner peace. He appealed to people to adopt yoga as a way of life under the vision of building a Healthy India, Strong India.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said yoga is an integral part of India's ancient heritage that has earned worldwide recognition. He described it as a path to balance, good health and inner peace.

Addressing participants at the Eastern Air Command in Shillong, Meghalaya, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said yoga is not only the foundation of a healthy body but also a way of leading a balanced and disciplined life.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda, who participated in a yoga session at Shantipath in New Delhi, said the word yoga means union. He explained that yoga establishes harmony between the body, mind, soul and the Supreme Being, and extends far beyond physical exercise.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed his best wishes for good health, longevity and continued success for everyone on the occasion.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan said yoga is a powerful medium for achieving harmony between the body, mind and soul, guiding people towards a healthy and positive way of life.

Union Minister of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said people of all age groups should make yoga an integral part of their lifestyle to remain healthy, energetic and active.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said yoga represents the journey from the individual self to the collective good and serves as the foundation of a healthy life.

Speaking at the International Day of Yoga programme held at the South Campus of the University of Delhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said yoga creates harmony between the body, mind and soul, inspiring people to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar