Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) and First Lady Neelam Mishra participated in the 10th United Nations International Day of Yoga held at Astroturf Open Stadium at Spituk on June 21.

The day marked the commencement of week-long International Festival of Yoga and Meditation organised by UT Administration in association with Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC).

 The theme of International Day of Yoga 2024 is Yoga for Self and Service.

Calling the celebration of the International Day of Yoga a big achievement, LG stated that the United Nations recognised the knowledge of yoga, which the Indians have been practising since ancient times, and declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. He also stated that it was possible due to the concerted efforts made by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi ji, as he convinced that people should practise yoga which has immense health benefits.

Calling yoga an invention made by India, LG highlighted the benefits of yoga- physically, mentally and spiritually and stated that no other country can boast of such practices which are beneficial on all three aspects. He stated that practising yoga will not only benefit the current generation but also the future generations.

He also appreciated President and Founder, MIMC, Ven Sanghasena, for taking charge of organising the International Day of Yoga and hoped that others would also come forward to make the programme successful. He also hoped that the people assembled at Astroturf Stadium at Spituk to participate in the International Day of Yoga would also teach yoga asanas to others as well.

President, MIMC Leh, Ven Sanghasena, called yoga and meditation, ahimsa (non-violence), karuna (compassion) and maitri (loving kindness) as the timeless gifts from India to the world to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. He informed that the week-long International Festival of Yoga and Meditation would be held at various places of Ladakh such as Pangong Lake, Sindhu Ghat, University of Ladakh, MIMC Leh and Sham Valley, etc.

Advisor to the LG, Dr Pawan Kotwal also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of practising yoga in daily life to keep the body, mind and spirit healthy.

Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson; Ambassador, Mauritius, Haymandoyal Dillum; Chief Imam, All India Imam Organisation, Delhi, Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi; General Secretary, International Buddhist Confederation, New Delhi, Sharse Khensur Rinpochey Jangchup Choeden; jain Monk, Swami Devendra; Senior Advisor, UN HABITAT, Dr Markandey Rai; Medical Superintendent, Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Swami Dayadhipananda; PM Advisor to African countries, Ambassador Deepak Vohra, Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu were among the guests present on the occasion.

Representatives from various religious and political organisations, Departmental Secretaries, Head of Departments, DC Leh, SSP Leh, government officials and volunteers from Nehru Yuva Kendra were present during the event.