Marking the 12th International Day of Yoga under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh joined thousands of residents in a mass yoga session during the state-level celebration held at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal and several other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Balbir Singh said that the ‘CM Di Yogshala’ initiative, launched by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has brought about a positive transformation in the lifestyle of the people of Punjab.
He informed that more than 1,400 yoga trainers have been trained under the programme and are serving people across the state by promoting yoga and contributing towards building a healthier society. The Health Minister said that yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise but an inward journey that harmonises the mind, body and soul.
He emphasised that a healthy mind, pure diet and regular yoga practice form the foundation of a healthy life. He urged everyone to make yoga a part of their daily routine to prevent diseases and achieve mental peace. Dr. Balbir Singh said that the overwhelming participation in today’s state-level mass yoga event in Patiala reflects the growing acceptance of yoga among the people of Punjab and the tremendous response being received by the ‘CM Di Yogshala’ initiative.
He especially encouraged students to practise yoga every day, stating that it would improve their physical fitness, mental concentration and help build a brighter future. Director, Department of Ayurveda, Dr. Raman Khanna, welcomed the dignitaries and participants and elaborated on this year’s International Day of Yoga theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” while urging everyone to make yoga an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.
On this occasion, the entire AYUSH team, led by District Ayurvedic and Unani Officer Dr. Mohan Kaushal, including AMO Dr. Yogesh Bhatia, Dr. Rajnish Verma, Dr. Amandeep Kaur, Dr. Pooja Arora, Dr. Vishal, Upvaid Dr. Goldy, senior medical doctor Dr. Anu Sharda, Dr. Sachin, Mohit Rishi, Dr. Preeti, Dr. Sonu, yoga instructor Jujhar Singh and Jashanjot Kaur, conducted the yoga session.
National champion students from Siuana School and Multipurpose School were honoured for their outstanding achievements in yoga. The Forest Department also distributed saplings among the participants. Students demonstrated several advanced yoga postures showcasing their flexibility and inspiring the audience to adopt yoga in their daily lives.
Among those present were Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, Chairman of the District Planning Committee Tejinder Mehta, Mayor Kundan Gogia, Chairman of Improvement Trust Nabha Jassi Sohianwala, Jasbir Singh Gandhi, ADC Anuprita Johal, Assistant Commissioner Harjot Kaur, Civil Surgeon Dr. Shelly Jaitly, District Education Officer Shalu Mehra, Assistant Director (Horticulture) Harinderpal Singh, besides a large number of Patiala residents, practitioners associated with CM Di Yogshala, students from schools and colleges, and officers and doctors from the AYUSH Department.