Citizens must make yoga an integral part of daily life, says Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on International Yoga Day 2024

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On the occasion on International Yoga Day 2024, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday appealed to citizens to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives, reported news agency PTI.

Speaking at an event in the Marine Drive area in Mumbai to mark the 10th International Day of Yoga, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Baba Ramdev have popularised yoga worldwide".

"Citizens must make yoga an integral part of their daily lives. Everyone must practise it daily, and not just one day," he said, reported PTI.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and civic commissioner Bhushan Gagrani also attended the International Yoga Day 2024 event, organised by BJP leader Shaina NC, reported PTI.

Later, Shinde addressed the staff and bureaucrats at Mantralaya and joined them along with Fadnavis in performing yoga.

Doing yoga daily will improve the efficiency of the bureaucrats and others working at the headquarters of the Maharashtra government and they can serve citizens better, he said, adding that yoga is the need of the hour for keeping one fit and healthy.

The United Nations General Assembly, heeding a call by Prime Minister Modi, declared in December 2014 to observe June 21 every year as the International Day of Yoga.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led celebrations of the 10th International Day of Yoga at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Friday.

This year's event underscores Yoga's profound impact on young minds and bodies. The celebration aims to unite thousands in the practice of Yoga, promoting health and wellness on a global scale.

This year's theme, "Yoga for Self and Society," emphasizes yoga's vital role in fostering both individual well-being and societal harmony.

Since 2015, the Prime Minister has led the International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

(With inputs from PTI)