Bareilly: A week-long series of yoga-related activities was inaugurated in Bareilly on Sunday as part of preparations for the 12th International Yoga Day. The programme commenced at the Sports Stadium in Bareilly, where Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Forest and Environment, Zoo and Climate Change, Dr. Arun Kumar formally launched Yoga Week by offering floral tributes to the portraits of Lord Dhanvantari and Maharishi Patanjali and lighting the ceremonial lamp.
The Yoga Week celebrations will continue from June 15 to June 20, featuring daily mass yoga sessions from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. The programme also includes slogan-writing contests, yoga-themed painting competitions, yoga-asana events, and seminars aimed at promoting awareness about the benefits of yoga. The main International Yoga Day event will be held on June 21 at the Sports Stadium, where a large-scale mass yoga session is expected to take place.
Addressing participants, Dr. Arun Kumar emphasized the importance of yoga in preventing age-related diseases and maintaining overall fitness. He said that due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has evolved into a global movement, spreading the message of health, wellness, and positive living to millions across the world. He urged citizens to adopt yoga as a daily practice rather than limiting it to a one-day event.
Speaking on the occasion, Bareilly MP Chhatrapal Gangwar described yoga as a priceless part of India’s cultural heritage. He noted that the global acceptance of International Yoga Day reflects India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world as one family. He encouraged people to make yoga a permanent part of their lifestyle, stressing that a healthy population is essential for national development.
District Magistrate Avinash Singh highlighted yoga’s role as a holistic system that promotes harmony between the body, mind, and soul. He said the growing global recognition of yoga demonstrates its value as a foundation for a balanced and healthy life.
The mass yoga session was conducted by Nitya Sharma and Dr. Garima Singh, while yoga demonstrations were led by Rahul, Vijay, Bhupesh, Aastha, Namita, Suneet, and Aditya.
To promote awareness about yoga, a pad yatra (awareness march) was flagged off by the minister, public representatives, the District Magistrate, and the Chief Development Officer. The event witnessed active participation from institutions including Rohilkhand Ayurvedic Medical College, Gangasheel Ayurvedic Medical College, Future Ayurvedic Medical College, and Genius Club Bareilly. The Genius Club also honoured yoga instructors with mementoes in recognition of their contribution.
Yoga Week was simultaneously launched at AYUSH hospitals across the district with the participation of local elected representatives and village heads, reflecting the administration’s effort to take the message of wellness and preventive healthcare to the grassroots level.
Several public representatives and officials attended the inaugural programme, including District Panchayat Chairperson Rashmi Patel, MLAs Dr. Raghvendra Sharma and Dr. M. P. Arya, MLC Bahoran Lal Maurya, senior health officials, and members of the public. The initiative aims to build momentum ahead of the grand International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21.
