Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday called upon citizens to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives, saying the ancient Indian practice holds the key to building a healthier, happier and more peaceful society.
Participating in the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Leh, Ladakh, the Vice President said yoga is far more than a form of physical exercise and represents one of India’s most valuable contributions to humanity. Surrounded by the Himalayan landscape, he highlighted yoga’s role in nurturing the body, calming the mind and elevating the spirit.
Addressing the gathering, V-P Radhakrishnan said the worldwide recognition of yoga gained unprecedented momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose proposal at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 led to the declaration of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga with the support of more than 175 countries.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the Vice-President stressed the growing importance of yoga in addressing the challenges of an ageing population. Citing the India Ageing Report 2023, he noted that nearly one-fifth of India’s population is expected to be elderly by 2050.
Emphasising the need to ensure that “added years to life also mean added life to years,” V-P Radhakrishnan described yoga as a powerful tool for promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and active ageing. He said regular practice of yoga can help individuals maintain vitality, resilience and independence as they grow older.
The Vice-President also highlighted the relevance of yoga in high-altitude regions such as Ladakh, where endurance, discipline and adaptability are essential aspects of daily life. He observed that the people of Ladakh embody values such as resilience, simplicity and harmony with nature, which closely align with the philosophy of yoga.
Expressing admiration for the people of the Union Territory, V-P Radhakrishnan said they are calm, peaceful, kind and deeply connected to nature. He added that continued engagement with yoga would further strengthen their well-being and help them realise their fullest potential.
Underscoring yoga’s transformative impact on society, the Vice-President said that those who regularly practise yoga are less likely to fall prey to drugs and other harmful habits, as the discipline promotes self-control, mental balance and positive living.
The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa, Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, senior civil and military officials, yoga practitioners, students and members of the local community.
Earlier in the day, the Vice-President visited the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) in Leh and praised its contributions to education, healthcare, social welfare, environmental sustainability and the promotion of yoga and meditation in the region.
He lauded the efforts of Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, stating that the institution stands as a shining example of how spiritual wisdom and humanitarian service can work together for the welfare of society.