Yoga Recognised as Path to Wellness as Telangana Marks International Day

Hyderabad: The 12th International Yoga Day programme held at Gachibowli Stadium in Rangareddy district drew calls from the State Health Minister to embrace the ancient practice as a cornerstone of public health. Damodar Rajanarasimha, serving as chief guest for the AYUSH Department event on Sunday, urged residents to weave yoga into their everyday lives as a foundation for building a healthier society.

During the inaugural ceremony, the minister lit the ceremonial lamp before addressing the assembled crowd. He characterised yoga as an invaluable cultural inheritance that India has extended to humanity across borders. Rather than viewing it simply as physical exercise, Rajanarasimha framed yoga as a comprehensive discipline that cultivates equilibrium among the mind, body and soul.

The minister highlighted yoga's potential to address contemporary health challenges, including mounting stress, anxiety and illnesses linked to sedentary modern lifestyles. He noted that consistent engagement with yoga strengthens physical conditioning, mental health, focus and self-assurance while fostering healthier living patterns.

Rajanarasimha underscored the significance of the United Nations' designation of June 21 as International Yoga Day, noting that this recognition has facilitated yoga's acceptance on the global stage. The worldwide expansion of this Indian tradition represents a source of national pride, he remarked.

Positioning yoga as instrumental to achieving healthier communities in both Telangana and India broadly, the minister appealed to young people, women, students, professionals and older citizens to adopt yoga as part of their daily practice. He contended that establishing yoga as a household norm could substantially decrease disease burden and enhance quality of life across populations.

The minister emphasised that sustained practice yields lasting advantages for both individuals and their communities. Health, Medical and Family Welfare Secretary Dr. Christina Z. Chongthu, IAS, Additional Collector Kiranmayi, Rajendranagar RDO Sridhar, Serilingampally Tahsildar and District Medical and Health Officer Dr. Swarnakumari were among the government officials, yoga instructors, students and youth representatives present.