VP Radhakrishnan Calls Yoga a Journey from Good to Great

AP, June 22: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday joined hundreds of yoga practitioners in Leh to mark the International Day of Yoga, emphasizing the transformative role of the ancient discipline in fostering physical wellness, mental resilience and personal growth.

The celebrations were held at the Astro Turf Stadium in Spituk, where participants performed a series of yoga postures against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayan mountains. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, senior citizens, members of the armed forces, monks and local residents.

Among those present were Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, Ladakh MP Haneefa Jan, Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, along with senior civil and military officials.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President noted that yoga has evolved into a global movement promoting health, harmony and inner peace. He said the practice plays a significant role in ensuring healthy ageing and improving overall quality of life, particularly in an era marked by increasing lifestyle-related challenges.

Encouraging young people to adopt yoga as a regular habit, Radhakrishnan stressed that its benefits can be fully realised only through consistent practice. He urged the youth to embrace yoga as a lifelong commitment rather than limiting it to annual celebrations.

Praising the people of Ladakh for their simplicity, humility and balanced way of life, the Vice President remarked that yoga serves not only as a tool for personal transformation but also as a pathway for those striving to achieve greater excellence. He said the discipline helps individuals move beyond ordinary achievements and unlock their full potential.

International Day of Yoga events were simultaneously organised across all seven districts of Ladakh. Large numbers of residents from different age groups and backgrounds participated in community sessions, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga in the Union Territory.

Following the programme, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena described it as a privilege to host the Vice President at the high-altitude celebration in Leh. He termed yoga one of India’s most valuable contributions to humanity and credited national efforts for bringing the practice to a worldwide audience.

Highlighting the theme of healthy living and healthy ageing, Saxena called upon residents to integrate yoga into their daily routines. He said regular practice can contribute to building a healthier and more resilient society while enhancing overall well-being.

The Vice President also concluded his three-day maiden visit to Ladakh with a tour of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) and Buddha Park of Peace at the Devachan Campus in Leh.

During the visit, he appreciated the institution’s work in education, healthcare, social welfare, environmental sustainability and the promotion of meditation and yoga. Radhakrishnan said he was deeply inspired by the values of compassion, inclusiveness and selfless service reflected throughout the campus.

The visit underscored Ladakh’s growing role as a centre for wellness, spirituality and community-driven development, while reinforcing the message of holistic health promoted through International Day of Yoga celebrations across the country.