Theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”
Lucknow — Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Food Safety, and Drug Administration, Dr. Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ inaugurated the 11th International Yoga Week at the State Ayurvedic College and Hospital Auditorium in Lucknow today by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The week-long celebration is being held in the run-up to International Yoga Day on June 21, under the central theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
In his keynote address, Dr. Mishra highlighted India’s global contribution in popularizing yoga as a daily wellness practice. “We take immense pride that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, India’s timeless legacy of yoga has reached every household,” he said. He recalled how the United Nations declared June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014, thanks to India’s efforts.
“India is not only progressing rapidly in development but is also preserving its cultural and spiritual heritage,” Dr. Mishra added. He emphasized that Ayurveda, rooted in the Vedas, offers natural remedies without side effects, and noted that legendary figures like Maharishi Patanjali, the pioneer of Ashtanga Yoga, and his guru Panini hailed from Uttar Pradesh. “Today, over 177 countries celebrate Yoga Day, uniting on a single platform through this unique discipline.”
He urged people to go beyond celebrating yoga on a single day and incorporate it into their daily routines. “Let’s extend yoga from our personal lives to our families, villages, and communities. Yoga is not just a practice, it is a lifestyle.”
Yoga Week to Span Across All Regions
Dr. Mishra informed that yoga sessions will be conducted at schools, colleges, gram panchayats, around Amrit Sarovars (sacred ponds), and even in hospital premises. He also announced special sessions dedicated to pregnant women, and stressed the use of master trainers for better outreach.
Senior Officials Echo the Importance of Yoga
Chief Secretary Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh underlined yoga as India’s most profound gift to the world. “Yoga activates the mind, body, and soul. In today’s era of diseases like diabetes and hypertension, yoga offers a natural and effective cure,” he said. “Yoga is the perfect bridge between humans and nature.”
Principal Secretary, AYUSH and FSDA, Mr. Ranjan Kumar, described yoga as a cultural heritage that unites the world. He shared that yoga sessions have already been ongoing at Raj Bhavan since June 1 and will continue till June 20. “From village panchayats to educational institutions and public parks, we are ensuring mass participation in this year’s campaign,” he added.
‘Y-Break’ Protocol Demonstration
The program also featured a demonstration of the ‘Y-Break Protocol’, a five-minute office yoga routine designed to refresh and destress employees during work hours. The routine includes Tadasana, Urdhva Hastottanasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, and Anulom-Vilom (alternate nostril breathing). The session aims to enhance both physical vitality and workplace productivity.
Closing and Dignitaries
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by AYUSH Director General Mr. Manvendra Kumar Singh. Other dignitaries present included Special Secretary Mr. Harikesh Chaurasia, senior AYUSH officials, college principals, yoga experts, and enthusiastic students.
