Bijnor: Reinforcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making yoga a “people’s movement,” Uttar Pradesh Minister for Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) Kapil Dev Agrawal today actively participated in a grand yoga session held in Bijnor on the occasion of the 12th International Yoga Day.
The event reflected the state government’s commitment under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to promote a “disease-free body” and expand yoga practices to every village under the broader vision of a healthy and empowered Uttar Pradesh.
Large-scale participation marked the celebration, with thousands of students, NCC cadets, representatives of voluntary organisations, officials, and citizens joining the session. The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising the spirit of wellness and knowledge.
Minister Kapil Dev Agrawal led participants through a series of yoga postures and breathing exercises including Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Bhujangasana, Kapalbhati, and Anulom-Vilom. He also emphasised that yoga is not merely physical exercise but a comprehensive science of life that nurtures mental balance, positive thinking, and holistic well-being.
Highlighting India’s global leadership in yoga, Agrawal credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming yoga into an internationally recognised wellness movement. He said yoga, rooted in India’s 5,000-year-old cultural heritage, is one of the most effective tools to combat stress, depression, and lifestyle-related disorders.
Speaking on the state government’s initiatives, Agrawal said the Uttar Pradesh administration remains committed to taking yoga to the grassroots level under the “Nirogi Kaya” mission. He added that the Skill Development Department has incorporated yoga training into ITIs and skill centres to ensure that youth develop both physical fitness and mental resilience.
Calling upon the youth to adopt yoga as a daily discipline, the minister said that “healthy youth are the foundation of a self-reliant and developed India.” He urged citizens to dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to yoga practice, stressing that such habits would not only improve individual health but also contribute to nation-building.
The 12th International Yoga Day celebrations in Bijnor concluded with a strong message of “Healthy Uttar Pradesh, Strong India,” echoing the nationwide call for wellness, discipline, and collective well-being.
