Srinagar, June 22 (Scoop News)-On the occasion of International Yoga Day (IYD), the Department of Youth Services & Sports (YS&S), J&K, organized a series of vibrant yoga programmes across the UT, engaging thousands of school children, youth, and the general public in the ancient practice of yoga.
As the premier Department responsible for organizing sports, recreational and wellness activities for students up to 12th grade and youth in general, the YS&S Department conducts year round events, including school, zonal, district, divisional, and UT-level competitions in dozens of sports. Yoga remains an integral part of the Department’s annual calendar, with dedicated training for students of different age groups to participate in yoga competitions.
Leading up to International Yoga Day, the Department of YS&S organized pre-yoga day events in all sports zones of J&K, fostering awareness about the importance, relevance, and benefits of yoga.
Hundreds of officials and students from the Department also participated in the important functions held at SKICC, Srinagar and Gulshan Ground Jammu, joining the global celebration of yoga.
Meanwhile, at Khel Gaon Nagrota, Jammu, a mega yoga programme was organized by YS&S Department where Director General of YS&S, Anuradha Gupta graced the occasion as the chief guest. Addressing the young participants, she emphasized: “Parents often leave behind material possessions like cars, houses, and land for their children, who feel happy receiving them. However, the greatest legacy we, as Indians, have inherited from our ancestors is the gift of Yoga, a timeless solution to stress, mental fatigue, and modern lifestyle diseases. Yoga creates harmony between the mind, body, and soul, elevating us spiritually as well."
The event was attended by Joint Director YS&S Jammu, Dr. Vinakshi Koul, Deputy Director Central, Deputy Director Planning, District Youth Services & Sports Officer Jammu, Accounts Officer, and other officials from the Directorate of YS&S.
In addition to the UT-level events, the Department of YS&S organised colourful yoga programmes at various district and zonal headquarters, where field officers led sessions promoting yoga’s holistic benefits among students and the public.
CUKashmir celebrates International Day of Yoga-2025 with message on ‘global wellness’
Ganderbal, June 21: Srinagar, Jammu, June 22 (Scoop News)-Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga with zeal, enthusiasm, and collective spirit at Tulmulla Campus on Saturday.
The event witnessed a good turnout in the early morning hours during which participants gathered on the campus, rolling out mats to join the rest of the country in embracing the ancient Indian practice that continues to promote health, harmony, and holistic living.
Echoing this year’s theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, aligning yoga with sustainability and global well-being, the celebration underscored yoga’s pivotal role in fostering sustainable lifestyles, personal resilience, and collective ecological consciousness for global health and wellbeing.
Faculty members, administrative staff, students, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Deans of Schools, Heads and Coordinators of Departments, Senior Administrative Officials, scholars, students and other employees, joined the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi through a live broadcast from Visakhapatnam, performed yoga with different Asanas.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath said, “International Day of Yoga is more than a ceremonial event—it is a celebration of the interconnectedness of human life. It promotes a vision of holistic health and universal harmony, advocating for preventive healthcare and mental well-being.”
Highlighting the significance of Yoga in health and wellness, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, said, “In a world grappling with lifestyle diseases, mental health challenges, and pandemics, yoga emerges as a natural, low-cost effective remedy. It improves flexibility, strengthens immunity, reduces stress, and promotes cardiovascular health. Regular practice is associated with lower anxiety, better sleep, enhanced focus, and emotional stability.”
"CUKashmir has always taken pride in promoting holistic wellness and mental resilience among its students and staff. Yoga is central to our pursuit of a healthy academic and social ecosystem. I urge everyone to make yoga a regular part of their daily life—not just for individual well-being, but also for building a compassionate and peaceful society," Prof. A Ravinder Nath said. The country with a huge young population bears the promise of leading the world, but that can only happen if we stay healthy in which Yoga and self-discipline plays a vital role. CUKashmir Vice Chancellor, said, Yoga's emphasis on mindful living, balanced nutrition, and positive thinking aligns with modern calls for sustainable and integrative healthcare systems.Echoing the message of Hon’ble Prime Minister, he advised the audience to reduce use of oils in food.
Dean School of Education, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani in his welcome speech said, "Yoga is not merely a form of exercise. It is a philosophy that integrates the body, mind, and soul. In today’s fast-paced world, it provides us with a spiritual compass, helping us stay balanced, focused, and in touch with our inner self," Prof. Geelani said. “Yoga teaches us to live mindfully—consuming less, respecting all life forms, and staying grounded in the present. These are the very principles that underpin global sustainability,” the speaker remarked.
Asst Prof. Department of Physical Education, Dr.Muzammil Shah conducted the programme and Head Department of Physical Education, Dr. Kokab Azeem proposed the vote of thanks.
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