Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday joined the "Run for Yoga" event held at the Police Lines in Dehradun ahead of the 12th International Day of Yoga.
Speaking at the event, Dhami said the run was more than a fitness activity. He described it as a campaign to encourage healthy living, positive thinking, and greater awareness about yoga among people. He said such initiatives help spread the benefits of yoga and inspire people to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Dhami said Uttarakhand, known as Devbhoomi, has long been a land of yoga, spirituality, and meditation. He added that the state's natural beauty and spiritual heritage continue to inspire people towards balance and well-being.
Calling yoga India's ancient gift to the world, Dhami said it is a practical and scientific way to bring harmony between the body, mind, and soul. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking yoga to the global stage. Dhami said that after Modi proposed International Yoga Day at the United Nations in 2014, June 21 was officially recognised as the day. Today, people in more than 190 countries take part in yoga activities.
Referring to rising stress, depression, and lifestyle-related illnesses, the Chief Minister said yoga has become an effective tool for maintaining physical and mental health. He urged young people to make yoga and exercise a part of their daily routine, saying healthy and disciplined youth are key to the nation's future.
Dhami said the Uttarakhand government is working to develop the state as a global centre for yoga, Ayurveda, wellness, and naturopathy. Through its Yoga Policy, the government is promoting yoga and meditation centres, supporting instructors, and creating employment opportunities in the wellness sector. He appealed to people to practice yoga regularly, lead disciplined lives, and support efforts to build a drug-free society.
International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on June 21 following a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014. The idea was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014.
Since the first celebration in 2015, India has played a leading role in promoting Yoga Day worldwide through the Ministry of AYUSH, with support from state governments, Indian missions abroad, and international organisations.
Ahead of this year's celebrations, Indian embassies and missions across the world have been organising outreach programmes with local communities and the Indian diaspora to raise awareness about yoga and its benefits.
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