Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan recently participated in the International Day of Yoga celebrations held in Leh, emphasizing the profound benefits of integrating yoga into daily life for fostering a healthier, happier, and more tranquil society. Addressing attendees amidst the striking Himalayan scenery of Ladakh, the Vice-President articulated that yoga transcends mere physical exercise, representing an ancient and invaluable contribution from Bharat to the global community. He elaborated that through centuries of dedicated meditation, ascetic practices, and spiritual exploration, India‘s ancient sages developed a comprehensive system designed to nourish the body, pacify the mind, and uplift the spirit.
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the Vice-President further highlighted the significant global recognition yoga has garnered, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His initiative at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 was instrumental in the UN’s adoption of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, a resolution supported by over 175 member nations. This global observance underscores the widespread appreciation for yoga’s holistic approach to well-being.
Focusing on this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” CP Radhakrishnan pointed out that advancements in healthcare and increasing life expectancies present new societal responsibilities. He referenced the India Ageing Report 2023, noting that by the year 2050, approximately one-fifth of India’s population is projected to be elderly. This demographic shift necessitates a proactive approach to ensuring that the additional years of life are also enriched with vitality and purpose. He underscored the critical need to ensure that “added years to life also mean added life to years,” positioning yoga as a powerful instrument for promoting robust physical health, enhancing mental well-being, and supporting active ageing.
The Vice-President also drew a connection between the demands of life at high altitudes and the inherent qualities cultivated through yoga. He observed that life in regions like Ladakh requires significant endurance, discipline, and adaptability – traits that are intrinsically developed through the practice of yoga. He remarked that the people of Ladakh have long embodied resilience, simplicity, and a profound harmony with nature, values that deeply align with the philosophical underpinnings of yoga. His interactions in the region, he stated, revealed individuals who are calm, peaceful, kind, and possess a deep connection to their natural surroundings, qualities that resonate with the essence of yogic philosophy.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena; Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohmad Haneefa; Chief Executive Councillor of the LAHDC Kargil, Mohd Jaffer Akhoon; Chief Secretary of the UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra; along with senior civil and military officials, numerous yoga practitioners, students, and members of the local community. Their presence signified the broad support and engagement with the International Day of Yoga celebrations in the region.
Earlier in the day, Vice-President Radhakrishnan visited the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) at its Devachan Campus in Leh. During his visit, he expressed profound appreciation for the institution’s significant contributions across various sectors, including education, healthcare, social welfare, environmental sustainability, and the promotion of yoga and meditation within Ladakh. The MIMC’s multifaceted work in the region was acknowledged as a vital force in fostering holistic development and well-being among the local populace.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.