Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said yoga serves as a means to sustain energy, enthusiasm, self-confidence and self-discipline throughout life, adding that the ancient Indian tradition has become a cornerstone of the global health movement.
Addressing a gathering at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga, the LG as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) emphasized that health today is no longer seen merely as the absence of illness but as a state of physical, mental, and emotional balance.
“The biggest feature of yoga is that it teaches us to return to our inner self. In modern life, our focus is always on the outside, and especially our youth are sometimes surrounded by a flood of information on mobile screens, competition, goals, and tensions,” LG Sinha said, according to the news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS).
He said that the real meaning of yoga extends beyond physical postures (asanas). “Often people consider yoga to be limited to only a few asanas and physical exercises, while in reality, its true essence is to connect with oneself and establish a balance with nature,” the LG said, adding that regular practice strengthens concentration, memory, and emotional balance.
LG Sinha emphasized the importance of living in the present moment, stating that many scientists have observed how a person experiences thousands of thoughts daily, most of which are related to past worries or future uncertainties. “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.
The LG also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, he said, established yoga globally 12 years ago. “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,” LG Sinha said, adding that yoga offers a path to a life that is healthy, meaningful, and joyful.
He highlighted that the Jammu and Kashmir Health Department has made efforts to spread yoga across society, and over the past 11 years, many youth and citizens have adopted yoga protocols. “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,” he said.
LG Sinha said that yoga has no connection with any particular religion or sect. “Yoga is a science that is for the benefit of all humanity. Respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked to spread yoga to all countries of the world,” he added, urging everyone to join the collective yoga session with PM Modi later in the day.
He further said by extending his best wishes for good health, happiness, and prosperity to all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)
