International Yoga Day: Jackky Bhagnani And Rakul Preet Singh Conferred ‘Fit India Couple' Title By Sports Ministry
New Delhi: One of Bollywood's fittest couples, actors Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh, were conferred the title of 'Fit India Couple' during the mega Yogathon held at Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi on World Yoga Day (June 21). The event, titled Fit India Cult Yogathon, was part of the Fit India Movement — a nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports aimed at encouraging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, with a focus on fitness and mindful living. The title was presented to the couple by the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
Jackky and Rakul also joined thousands across India in completing one million Surya Namaskars to mark the occasion. In Delhi alone, 1,500 people participated in the event, guided by expert trainers and accompanied by soulful music. The collective spirit of well-being was evident as participants performed Surya Namaskars, meditation, and Yoga Nidra together.
'For me, yoga has always been more than just a way to stay healthy. It is a way of life that creates a balance between the body and mind. It reflects unity, our connection with nature, and a deeper sense of shared humanity. As a vital part of our cultural heritage, I have always seen it as a path to a more peaceful, centred, and fulfilling life,' says Jackky.
Meanwhile, Rakul said that this year's Yoga Day theme, Yoga for One Earth, One Health, truly highlights how yoga connects personal health with the health of the planet. 'I genuinely feel that our well-being is deeply connected to the environment around us. When we take care of nature, we're also taking care of ourselves. That's something yoga really helps us understand — it teaches us to live more mindfully, make better choices, and stay in tune with our surroundings. It is a simple practice, but its impact goes far beyond just fitness,' adds Rakul.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Breast cancer survivor Rozlyn Khan on Yoga: It's improved my posture, digestion, and reduced stiffness after chemo
On the occasion of World Yoga Day , actress Rozlyn Khan who is known for her courageous cancer journey opens up about how yoga has become an important part of her journey both physically and emotionally. 'Yoga, for me, is not just a form of exercise — it's my grounding force,' she says. Through life's ups and downs, especially during her recovery journey, Rozlyn shares that yoga has helped her realign and reconnect with herself. 'It brings me back to myself every time life or emotions feel overwhelming,' she adds. When asked if she practices yoga daily, Rozlyn reveals, 'I try to include at least 20–30 minutes of yoga every day. Even if I can't do a full session, I make sure to do some breathwork or simple stretches.' She also shares how she balances yoga with her workout and shooting schedule. 'On days I do strength training or cardio, yoga helps me wind down and recover. It's about listening to the body and creating space for it.' On yoga being a slow and steady practice, Rozlyn agrees completely. 'Yoga isn't about instant results — it's about transformation that lasts. It builds strength, flexibility, and calm quietly but deeply,' she says. 'It teaches patience, and I've learned to appreciate progress, not perfection.' Before going on set, Rozlyn shares her quick go-to yoga routine: 'I always do a few rounds of Anulom Vilom and some simple spinal twists. It calms my nerves and helps me stay focused.' Yoga, she says, has brought both physical and emotional benefits. 'It's improved my posture, digestion, and reduced stiffness after chemo. But more than anything, it's the mental calm and emotional strength that has truly helped.' Her favourite asana? 'Surya Namaskar is my go-to. It's energising, grounding, and keeps me connected to my breath.' To those going through cancer or recovery, Rozlyn offers a heartfelt message: 'Yoga is a must. It teaches you to be kind to yourself. Some days will be hard, and that's okay. Healing takes time, and yoga supports you—patiently, gently, and powerfully.' Chhavi Mittal on side effects of radiation therapy: 'My breast is swollen, it's changed colour, it's heavy and painful..'
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Harleen Kaur Rekhi reflects on inner peace on World Yoga Day; says ‘Yoga calms you from within, it brings shanti'
On the occasion of World Yoga Day , actress Harleen Kaur Rekhi, known for her powerful portrayal of Mandodari in Shrimad Ramayan and her theatre work in Hamare Ram alongside Ashutosh Rana, opened up about her deep connection to yoga and how it continues to enrich her life on multiple levels. For Harleen, yoga isn't just a fitness routine—it's a way of life. 'Yoga brings a massive change in a person's body at a much deeper level—I genuinely feel that,' she says. She emphasizes that yoga isn't just about flexibility or asanas, but about finding harmony between the body and mind. 'Yoga calms you from within. It gives you a sense of shanti—a deep inner peace,' she explains. 'I'm not saying anything against gym workouts—they tone the body—but yoga touches something deeper.' Harleen practices yoga regularly, making sure not to skip even on hectic days. 'If you're not practicing regularly, you tend to lose the flexibility and the confidence to perform asanas. But even five to ten minutes a day can help maintain balance and routine,' she shares. Among her favorite poses is Vajrasana, which she practices after meals. 'It's great for digestion. Just two to five minutes after eating can really flatten the stomach and improve digestion,' she notes. As an actor, she also highlights the importance of breathing exercises. 'Our job involves a lot of speaking, so I do breathing techniques even when I have a cold. It helps regulate breath and voice. How we breathe directly affects how we communicate.' Even when her schedule gets demanding, Harleen always finds her way back to the mat. 'If I skip yoga for a week, my body feels stiff. That's why I make it a point to stay regular.' In a world filled with chaos, Harleen's journey with yoga is a powerful reminder that a few minutes of mindful practice each day can bring lasting calm, energy, and clarity.
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Chemancheri's legacy lives on in Kathakali
Four years after Padma Shri Guru Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair's passing, his great-nephew Kalamandalam Premkumar is working to revive his legacy at the Cheliya Kathakali Vidyalayam in Koyilandy — a school the maestro founded 42 years ago to offer free Kathakali training to students. 'He was an extraordinary talent,' said Mr. Premkumar, recalling childhood days spent watching his uncle command the stage as Krishna. 'I was always fascinated by it, so I joined Kerala Kalamandalam right after Class X,' he added. The centre, which offers training in both Kathakali and Bharatanatyam, currently trains over 300 students in disciplines such as Kathakali Sangeetham (music), Chenda, Maddalam, Keralanadanam, and even the intricate art of Chutti (Kathakali makeup). Over the years, more girls have started learning Kathakali at the school, breaking into what was once a male-dominated art form — 'a positive change,' says Premkumar. The Union government currently provides financial assistance to the school. Once deeply rooted in temple festivals, Kathakali is now gradually disappearing from Malabar stages. To combat this fading public familiarity, the school organises the annual Kathakali Padana Shibiram (Kathakali learning workshop) during April and May. Eleven-year-old Thanmayi Renjith, a participant in the workshop, has now enrolled in the regular classes. 'Initially, I was reluctant to join, but once I started learning, I loved it,' she said. For Anagha M.S., it was watching Kuchelavrittam that inspired her to take up the classical dance-drama. 'I was awestruck by its grandeur,' she said. 'It takes hours to perfect the minute details. The costume, with its many layers and heavy headgear, can be difficult to manage. That's what makes Kathakali so unique,' Anagha added. 'The school is carrying forward Kunjiramettan's legacy,' said Vijayalakshmi K., a resident and Kathakali enthusiast, fondly remembering Guru Chemancheri, who passed away in March 2021 at the age of 104.
