Lucknow : Under the guidance and inspiration of Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel, a grand yoga session was organised at Raj Bhavan, Lucknow to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY). The theme for this year was “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individual and planetary well-being.
The mass yoga session began at 6:00 AM on the sprawling lawns of Raj Bhavan, where Governor Anandiben Patel herself participated alongside yoga practitioners, performing asanas, pranayama, and meditation under the guidance of trained yoga instructors.
In her address, the Governor emphasized that yoga is not merely physical exercise, but a complete way of life—a path of spiritual discipline and collective well-being. She extended warm greetings to all on Yoga Day and encouraged everyone to make yoga a daily habit. “Make yoga your routine, your lifestyle. Practice with your family—it is a noble act,” she said.
She also shared that daily yoga sessions were held at Raj Bhavan from June 1 to 20, with participation from students, officials, residents, and yoga enthusiasts. The initiative aimed at promoting physical, mental, and emotional health in line with the Centre’s 10-point directive for Yoga Day 2025.
Highlighting the significance of yoga in today’s world, the Governor stated, “Yoga is a timeless gift from our sages. Modern science has validated its benefits, especially in preventing and managing lifestyle diseases.” She stressed the need for more schools, not more hospitals, underscoring the role of preventive health.
She also spoke about the importance of Garbh Sanskar (prenatal values), saying that the emotional and mental nourishment provided during pregnancy significantly shapes a child’s future personality, thoughts, and character. She called it a foundational life process backed by ancient wisdom and modern science alike.
In a symbolic gesture of openness and community engagement, she reminded attendees that Raj Bhavan is open to the public for morning and evening walks and yoga practice, encouraging citizens to make use of the space and promote a healthier lifestyle.
During the event, participants witnessed the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address and yoga demonstration from Visakhapatnam, where over five lakh people took part in the Common Yoga Protocol under the “Yoga Sangam” initiative held at over 3.5 lakh locations across India. The Prime Minister urged people to adopt yoga as a way of life for the betterment of both self and society.
Dr. Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, Minister of AYUSH and Food Safety, Government of Uttar Pradesh, also extended his greetings and praised the Prime Minister and Chief Minister for taking India’s spiritual legacy of yoga to global prominence. “Yoga is no longer limited to India—it is now a part of global consciousness,” he said. He called yoga a bridge between body and soul, and a path that fosters harmony and collective well-being.
The event also saw the presence of senior dignitaries, including:
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Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh
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Additional Chief Secretary to Governor Dr. Sudhir Mahadev Bobde
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Principal Secretary, AYUSH, Ranjan Kumar
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Divisional Commissioner, Lucknow, Dr. Roshan Jacob
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Director General, AYUSH, Manvendra Singh
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Raj Bhavan officials, staff, yoga practitioners and other guests
The celebration concluded with a reaffirmed message—yoga is India’s heritage and the world’s need. It is our shared responsibility to adopt it, live it, and inspire others to walk the path of health, harmony, and holistic well-being.
