By promoting yoga, India offered world path to holistic health: Yogi

Gorakhpur, June 21 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said yoga is a timeless gift of Indian wisdom that has become a global symbol of well-being.
Addressing yoga practitioners and trainers at Mahant Digvijaynath Memorial Hall on Gorakhnath Temple premises before joining them for yoga practice on the occasion of 11th International Yoga Day, the CM said that by promoting yoga as a tool for public welfare, India has offered the world a path to holistic health.
He said that on the 11th International Yoga Day, nearly 190 countries are proudly embracing India's yoga tradition. "Yoga is a wonderful practice from India's sage tradition that keeps both the body and the mind healthy," he said.
Yogi extended greetings to the people of the state on International Yoga Day, emphasising India's age-old reverence for yoga. Quoting the ancient saying 'Sharir madhyam khalu dharma sadhanam', the body is indeed the means to fulfill Dharma, he said that all four pursuits of human life, Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha, are rooted in physical well-being.
He said, "A healthy body is essential not only for material success and personal fulfilment but also for spiritual advancement."
He explained that yoga plays a vital role in keeping the body healthy so that one can pursue these goals. "India has always used yoga as a way to support public welfare and through this, it has also guided the world toward universal well-being." he said.
The CM said, "Today we see many different aspects of yoga. India's rich tradition has introduced the world to higher states of awareness through yoga. From personality development to revealing the mysteries of the universe, this vast knowledge of yoga is preserved in our Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Smritis and other sacred texts."
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reviving and globalising India's ancient yoga tradition. "At a time when other countries were attempting to patent yoga postures, PM Modi took the historic step of securing global recognition for yoga through the United Nations. As a result of his efforts, International Yoga Day has been celebrated worldwide every year since June 21, 2015, with participation from 190 countries today," he said.
Yogi said, "International Yoga Day is a way to honour our sage tradition and help future generations stay connected to this rich heritage,' he said.
He also highlighted yoga's healing power, quoting the Sanskrit verse, 'Na tasya rogo na jara na mrityuh praptasya yogagrimayam shareeram', which means a body refined through yoga becomes free from illness, ageing and even death.
Yogi expressed that it was his good fortune to participate in the International Yoga Day event on the sacred land of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath. He said that he hoped the enthusiasm for yoga would lead to public welfare, social well-being, and the progress of the nation by ensuring healthy bodies and minds.
Meanwhile, CM Yogi also watched and listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's live address at the Mahant Digvijaynath Smriti Bhawan in Gorakhnath Temple on the occasion.
Afterwards, he practiced various yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation along with other yoga practitioners and trainees present at the hall. Yoga is an important and essential part of CM Yogi Adityanath's daily routine.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Economic Times

31 minutes ago

• Economic Times

This one food habit could shield you from arthritis, obesity and diabetes. Science backs what Indian kitchens always knew

Fermented foods like idli, curd, and kanji aren't just staples of Indian kitchens—they're emerging as powerful allies in the fight against arthritis, diabetes, and inflammation. Packed with probiotics, these gut-friendly foods improve digestion, boost immunity, and regulate metabolism. Studies confirm that incorporating them into your diet can significantly reduce chronic health risks and promote long-term wellness. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Good Bacteria You Need More Of Why India's Age-Old Recipes Deserve a Comeback Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Anti-Inflammatory, Diabetes-Defying Diet Shift Not Just a Food, But a Lifestyle Fix In a world where fast food dominates and lifestyle diseases rise unchecked, the cure to many modern ailments might already be simmering in Indian kitchens. From the spongy idli to the humble chaas, fermented foods are gaining scientific validation for their transformative effect on health. A recent report by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health now confirms what ancient Indian culinary wisdom always hinted at: fermented foods aren't just delicious—they're disease-fighting foods are made or preserved using yeast, fungi, or beneficial bacteria—elements that might sound off-putting at first but are crucial for maintaining a healthy gut. According to the report, our digestive tracts host trillions of microorganisms, and feeding them right can influence everything from digestion to immunity. Fermented foods, rich in probiotics and prebiotics, help boost microbial diversity, reduce inflammation, and support the gut's ability to fight off believe this microbial harmony could be key to preventing chronic conditions like arthritis. The journal explains that fermented foods can lower oxidative stress and systemic inflammation—two markers often linked to the onset of autoimmune and degenerative kitchens have long relied on fermentation—not just as a preservation method but as a cornerstone of everyday meals. Dishes like dahi (curd), kanji (a tangy drink made from fermented carrots or mustard seeds), idli and dosa batters, pickles, fermented bamboo shoots from the Northeast, and even drinks like chaas and lassi are natural probiotic powerhouses. These are the very staples that modern research is now spotlighting for their health processed probiotics or supplements, these foods come integrated with taste, tradition, and tangible results. They naturally introduce helpful bacteria into the gut, helping regulate digestion, fight bad bacteria, and enhance nutrient absorption—all while staying true to your cultural plate.A separate study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences further revealed that fermented foods could play a role in managing obesity. Their ability to improve metabolic function, control blood sugar, and even lower cholesterol and blood pressure suggests a compelling role in diabetes prevention and metabolic disorders like diabetes surge in India, this dietary insight couldn't come at a better time. Rather than eliminating food groups, the smarter strategy may be to reintroduce age-old ones that the modern diet has gradually promoting healthy weight loss to lowering the risk of autoimmune issues like arthritis, the evidence is stacking up: fermentation isn't just a culinary technique—it's preventative medicine. These foods also boost mental well-being, skin health, and immunity, thanks to their influence on the gut-brain axis and inflammation makes this resurgence in fermented food all the more compelling is its accessibility. No fancy ingredients, no complicated methods—just your grandmother's recipes, revived. And in that revival lies the potential to heal a India grapples with the double burden of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases, it may be time to rethink what's on our plates. Fermented foods offer a solution that's cost-effective, deeply cultural, and scientifically the next time you sip your lassi or scoop out a spoon of homemade curd, remember—you're not just feeding your body. You're fortifying your future.

The Hindu

42 minutes ago

• The Hindu

Paryaya Puthige Mutt Seer leads Yoga Day session in Udupi

The Paryaya Puthige Mutt seer Sugunendra Tirtha Swami led a one-hour long Yoga session in the Sri Krishna Mutt premises on the occasion of International Yoga Day on Saturday at Udupi. The yoga session was conducted under the directions of Yoga trainer Mamata Shettigar. 'I am taking part in the whole session only to make people aware that seers also do Yoga. I have been doing Yoga for a long time,' the seer said. The ancient concept of Yoga, which is a resource for physical and mental well being, should be spread across the world, the seer added. The session started with warm-up exercises that included the neck and shoulder rotations, which were followed by twisting of waist. Then 'Tadasana', 'Vrukshasana', 'Padahastasana', 'Ardhachakrasana', 'Bhadrasana', 'Vajrasana', 'Ustrasana', 'Bhujangasana', 'Mandookasana', 'Uttana Mandookasana', 'Sethubandhasana', and 'Shavasana' were done. Then 'Kapalabhati', 'Nadishoodhana Pranayama', 'Sheetali Pranayama', and 'Brahamari Prayanama' were done. Yoga has helped Udupi District in charge Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on Saturday said it was because of regular yoga practice for over two decades that she was in a position to work 15 hours a day. Ms. Hebbalkar said she was going about 20 surya namaskars every day. Recent motor vehicle accident in which she was injured has constrained her from doing Yoga every day. She was now doing Yoga fives days a week. Yoga brings mental joy and promotes a healthy lifestyle, she said. Apart from Ms. Hebbalkar, Yashpal Suvarna and Gurme Suresh Shetty, Udupi District MLAs, Ashok Kodavoor, District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee Chairman, T.K. Swaroopa, Deputy Commissioner, Prateek Bayal, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer, Ganapathi, Kundapura Divisional Forest Officer, and Satish Acharya, District AYUSH officer took part.

Hindustan Times

an hour ago

• Hindustan Times

Well-rounded diet for older adults: 5 nutrients that improve muscle strength, gut balance and overall health

Older adults may require a well-rounded diet that covers all the nutritional requirements of old age. As the body undergoes natural changes due to ageing, like muscle loss, slower metabolism, and reduced bone density, it becomes crucial to prioritise foods that support health in a holistic manner, taking care of all the key functions of health, from cognition to metabolism. Older adults require well-rounded nutrition to stay healthy.(Shutterstock) Khushboo Jain Tibrewala, SME & Advisor - Nutrition, Meru Life, shared with HT Lifestyle the vital nutrients required to help older adults stay healthy, targeting all the essential pillars of ageing, from bone health, gut balance, to cognitive health and muscle strength. She said, 'For most active seniors, the focus shouldn't be on restriction, but on nourishment that supports strength, cognition, and metabolic health. A well-balanced Indian diet, when thoughtfully planned, can help maintain energy, mobility, and clarity for years to come.' Khushboo shared a guide, listing out the important nutrients and their food sources that can help older adults maintain strength, mobility, and overall well-being: 1. Prioritise protein at every meal With age, muscle loss happens. Including two protein sources per meal, dal with curd, eggs with vegetables, or a paneer salad, helps support strength, blood sugar control, and immune function. 2. Support bone and joint health Calcium and Vitamin D are important, but so are magnesium and Vitamin K2. These nutrients help bones stay strong and reduce the risk of stiffness or injury. Add Ragi, Til, leafy greens, fermented foods, and natural fats like Ghee and Mustard oil to your diet. Leafy greens should be added to the diet to support bone and joint health.(Shutterstock) 3. Gut-healthy foods A diverse gut microbiome supports digestion, immunity, and even mood. Simple meals with cooked vegetables, lightly spiced dals, curd, seasonal fruits, and the occasional kanji or pickle can go a long way in keeping digestion smooth. 4. Protect cognitive health with brain-friendly foods Fatigue, forgetfulness, and brain fog are not just part of ageing; they're often signs of poor blood sugar control or missing nutrients. Add good fats (nuts, seeds), colourful vegetables, turmeric, and herbs like curry leaves or brahmi to meals. Stay hydrated and avoid long gaps between meals. 5. Support metabolic health with fibre-rich foods Even active seniors may have early insulin resistance. Regular, balanced meals, good-quality fibre, and moving after meals can help maintain metabolic stability. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.