Munish Sood
Mandi
Hundreds of people, including public representatives, judicial officers, government officials, students and citizens, participated in mass yoga sessions across Mandi district on Sunday to celebrate the 12th International Yoga Day, highlighting the growing emphasis on yoga as a means to promote physical fitness, mental well-being and a balanced lifestyle.
The district-level celebration was held at the historic Seri Manch, where participants performed a series of yoga postures, pranayama and meditation under the guidance of trained instructors.
Addressing the gathering, Additional Deputy Commissioner Gursimar Singh said yoga, an ancient Indian tradition that has earned global recognition, is much more than a physical exercise. Describing it as a holistic approach to healthy living, he said regular practice of yoga helps improve concentration among children, builds confidence in youth, reduces stress among working professionals and enables senior citizens to lead healthier and more active lives. He urged people to incorporate yoga into their daily routine.
The session commenced with warm-up exercises, followed by demonstrations of standing and sitting asanas, including Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Padahastasana, Trikonasana, Mandukasana, Vajrasana, Vakrasana and Bhadrasana. Participants also practised pranayama and meditation.
The yoga session was conducted by Dr Priya, Pharmacist Ashok Kumar, Rajkamal of Navotthan Seva Dham NGO, Maya Vardhan of the Art of Living, and yoga instructors Rekha and Soni, who highlighted the health benefits of regular yoga practice.
Former Minister and Mandi Sadar MLA Anil Sharma, Balh MLA Inder Singh Gandhi, Municipal Corporation Councillor Suman, District AYUSH Officer Dr Sanjay Sharma, AYUSH officials, faculty members and students of Sardar Patel University and Vallabh Government College, trainees from ITIs, and students and teachers from various educational institutions participated in the district-level programme.
Meanwhile, the District and Sessions Court, Mandi, also observed International Yoga Day with a special yoga session on its premises.
District and Sessions Judge Paras Dogra, who was the chief guest, called upon judicial officers, advocates and court staff to embrace yoga as a regular part of life to maintain physical fitness, mental resilience and emotional well-being.
The session was conducted by AYUSH Department yoga instructors Dr Kiran Thakur and Yogesh Kumar, who led participants through yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation while explaining their long-term health benefits.
The celebrations reflected the district’s collective participation in the nationwide observance of International Yoga Day, reinforcing the message of adopting yoga as a daily practice for a healthier and more balanced life.
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