Srinagar, June 21: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday called upon the people to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives, asserting that the ancient Indian practice is not merely about physical postures but a comprehensive science for achieving physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Addressing a gathering at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga, the Lieutenant Governor as per Kashmir Convener said the true essence of yoga lies in connecting with one’s inner self and establishing harmony with nature.
“Often people consider yoga to be limited to only a few asanas and physical exercises. While in reality, the real meaning of yoga is to connect with oneself, to connect with our senses, to understand the needs of our body, and ultimately to establish a balance with nature,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that health today is no longer defined merely by the absence of illness but by a state of complete physical, mental and emotional balance. He said this paradigm shift has brought the thousands-year-old Indian yoga tradition to the forefront of the global health movement.
Highlighting the relevance of yoga in contemporary times, LG Sinha pointed to the growing challenges faced by the youth, who he said are increasingly overwhelmed by digital distractions. “In modern life, our focus is always on the outside. And especially our youth, sometimes surrounded by the flood of information on the mobile screen, competition, goals and tensions,” he said.
In such circumstances, he said, yoga provides “silence or peace in the midst of that crowd, where the person is connected to himself.” He stressed that when the mind and body start working in the same direction, true health can be achieved.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the human mind processes thousands of thoughts daily, the majority of which are either rooted in past anxieties or focused on uncertain future outcomes. “Yoga teaches us to live in the present moment. When we concentrate on the breath, our mind becomes stable in the present moment. And this is where the process of reducing stress begins,” he said.
LG Sinha further stated that regular yoga practice not only improves bodily functions but also strengthens concentration, memory and emotional balance. “Yoga does not only make the body flexible, but also makes our thoughts, our thoughts and our consciousness flexible,” he said.
He added that studies have shown individuals who practise yoga regularly experience significantly lower stress levels and better quality of life. This is the reason, he said, why doctors and health experts worldwide are now recommending yoga alongside medicines to improve quality of life.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in taking yoga to the global stage. “The whole nation is grateful to India’s respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He established yoga not only in the country, but all over the world exactly 12 years ago,” Sinha said.
Clarifying that yoga has no association with any particular religion or sect, the Lieutenant Governor described it as “a science that is for the benefit of all humanity.” He noted that yoga is now recognised worldwide as a means to holistic health, and India can take pride in having preserved and promoted this ancient tradition for centuries.
Urging the public to integrate yoga into their daily routines, LG Sinha said, “Let’s not just think of doing yoga for one day on this International Yoga Day, but also make it a part of our daily life. If we are able to do yoga every day for a few minutes, it will have a positive impact on our lives for years to come.”
The Lieutenant Governor said, “Just as a plant needs water and care every day, the human body and mind also need regular yoga practice.” He added that health and yoga “cannot be bought, but can be enjoyed.”
The Lieutenant Governor commended the Jammu and Kashmir Health Department for its efforts in spreading yoga to every section of society, from villages to cities, and from youth to senior citizens. Over the last 11 years, he said, many in the Union Territory have adopted the yoga protocol, and it has played an important role in both prevention and rehabilitation.
“We can see this as a new revolution, which reminds us that yoga is not only a support in times of crisis, but also a lifelong companion,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor added by extending his best wishes for good health, happiness and prosperity to all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.
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