The Border Security Force organised a yoga session at Veer Bhumi Park in Samba district under the Yoga at Iconic Places initiative. Fifty-seven personnel took part in asanas, pranayama and meditation. The exercise brought into light fitness, mental well-being and a disciplined lifestyle. It also reflected the wider public health role of yoga in India’s security and wellness ecosystem.
Yoga at Iconic Places Initiative
- The initiative promotes yoga practice at historically or culturally locations.
- It aims to link physical fitness with national heritage and public awareness.
- Such events are used by government and security institutions to encourage healthy habits.
International Day of Yoga
- The United Nations declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga in 2014.
- The proposal was introduced by India and received broad international support.
- June 21 was chosen because it is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
- The day is now observed globally through mass yoga events and awareness campaigns.
Meaning and Health Value of Yoga
- The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to join or unite.
- It symbolises harmony between mind and body, and between human beings and nature.
- Yoga is widely associated with stress reduction, flexibility, breathing control and mental balance.
- It is also seen as part of preventive health care and holistic wellness.
India’s Global Role in Yoga Promotion
- India has led International Day of Yoga celebrations since 2015.
- The Ministry of AYUSH coordinates national observance with states and Indian missions abroad.
- The scale of participation has grown sharply in recent years, showing global acceptance.
- Yoga is increasingly presented as a lifestyle practice supporting sustainable living.