New Delhi, June 21 -- From sprawling sports complexes and neighbourhood parks to the serene surroundings of Asola Bhatti and the banks of the Yamuna, Delhi on Sunday witnessed a citywide celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga, with top constitutional functionaries, ministers and political leaders joining thousands of residents to underline yoga's growing role in public health and community well-being.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu led the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) celebrations at Yamuna Sports Complex, where he was joined by Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, DDA Vice Chairman N. Saravana Kumar, senior officials and yoga enthusiasts. DDA organised yoga sessions at 29 locations across Delhi, including major sports complexes and public parks, under this year's theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing."
Held under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", the sessions featured Yoga asanas, pranayama, breathing exercises and guided meditation under the supervision of trained instructors deputed by the Ministry of Ayush. Students, sportspersons and local residents participated enthusiastically.
Simultaneously, the Delhi government conducted yoga programmes across all 70 Assembly constituencies under the theme "One Delhi, One Yoga." Chief Minister Rekha Gupta participated in a special session near Neeli Jheel in the ecologically significant Asola Bhatti area, alongside citizens, students, women and senior citizens.
Addressing participants, Gupta said, "Yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise but a complete way of life that brings balance between the body, mind and soul while shaping one's consciousness and lifestyle." She added that regular yoga practice enables individuals to remain healthy and positive throughout their lives.
The Chief Minister also used the occasion to announce that the Delhi Government would launch the "Clean Delhi, Green Delhi" campaign in July and plant 70 lakh saplings this year. Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, who joined celebrations in Rohini, described yoga as "India's timeless gift to humanity. It strengthens the body, calms the mind, and inspires a balanced way of life that is essential for individual well-being and national progress."
PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, who attended programmes at four locations across New Delhi, said, "Yoga is not merely a means of physical fitness; it is a pathway to inner peace, self-discipline and spiritual growth." Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said, "Yoga is one of India's greatest gifts to humanity. It transcends boundaries of age, geography and culture and offers a simple yet effective path towards physical fitness, mental peace and spiritual well-being."
Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra, who participated in events along the Yamuna embankments from Sonia Vihar to Wazirabad, urged people to adopt yoga beyond ceremonial observance, saying it should become part of everyday life to build "a healthy, strong and self-reliant India."
Delhi BJP also organised collective Yoga Day programmes across all its 256 mandals. Addressing participants at Yamuna Sports Complex, Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra said, "Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition and culture, which has been adopted by the entire world today." He added that International Yoga Day reflected India's vision of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" and appealed to citizens to embrace yoga for a healthier and more disciplined life. With the participation of thousands of Delhiites, Delhi's Yoga Day celebrations reflected a shared commitment to wellness, harmony and
healthier living.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.