New Delhi | Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla led a yoga session with Members of Parliament at the Parliament House Complex on the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga, underscoring yoga’s enduring relevance in promoting physical health, mental clarity, and emotional stability.
Extending his greetings on the occasion, the Speaker said that yoga represents India’s timeless civilizational heritage, offering humanity a holistic path toward well-being and inner harmony. He noted that yoga goes beyond physical fitness, serving as a practice that harmonises the body, mind, and thought process.
Emphasising its relevance in public life, Birla observed that while differences of opinion are natural in a democratic institution like Parliament, yoga encourages restraint, reflection, and constructive dialogue. “Democracy thrives on dialogue, and dialogue requires mental balance—yoga teaches exactly that,” he remarked.
He highlighted that ancient Indian sages and scholars preserved and refined the tradition of yoga over centuries, establishing it as a way of life aimed at fostering physical health, mental peace, and heightened human consciousness. Today, he said, yoga has evolved into a global movement, while remaining rooted in India’s ancient knowledge systems.
Addressing the challenges of modern life, the Speaker pointed out that stress, uncertainty, and imbalance have become widespread in contemporary society. In this context, yoga emerges as a practical and accessible tool to cultivate patience, emotional stability, and discipline. He also stressed that managing mental stress is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, particularly for the digital generation, for whom yoga can help restore balance amid constant screen exposure and information overload.
Birla further stated that yoga is not merely a fitness routine but a comprehensive approach to personality development and ethical living. Regular practice, he said, enhances decision-making abilities, strengthens character, and contributes to overall well-being. He added that healthy citizens form the foundation of a strong democracy, and even a few minutes of daily yoga practice by citizens across the country could transform into a major public health movement.
Reiterating yoga’s broader significance, the Speaker described it as not only India’s global soft power but also a responsibility towards humanity. He urged citizens to move beyond symbolic observance and embrace yoga as a year-round commitment, integrating it into daily life for sustained health and harmony.
He also encouraged public representatives to play an active role in spreading awareness about yoga and inspiring communities to adopt it as a way of life, thereby strengthening both individual well-being and collective social harmony.
The session concluded with a call to embed yoga deeply into everyday routines, reinforcing a culture of balance, discipline, and holistic health across the nation.
