By As India gears up to celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21, yoga-related events are gaining momentum across the country. In New Delhi, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) organised a special “Run for Yoga” and Zumba session on Saturday, bringing together fitness enthusiasts, students, healthcare professionals, and yoga practitioners to spread awareness about healthy living.
The event was more than just a pre-Yoga Day activity. Organisers used the platform to deliver a broader message—that yoga should become a daily habit rather than a once-a-year celebration. Participants highlighted the growing importance of physical and mental wellness in today’s fast-paced lifestyle and encouraged people to embrace yoga as a long-term health practice.
Speaking at the programme, AIIA Director Prof. Pradeep Kumar Prajapati said yoga offers benefits that go far beyond flexibility and exercise. According to him, regular yoga practice can play a significant role in maintaining overall health, improving quality of life, and supporting healthy ageing.
He noted that while millions participate in Yoga Day celebrations annually, the real value lies in practising yoga consistently throughout the year. Even dedicating 15 to 20 minutes daily to simple yoga postures and breathing exercises can help people manage lifestyle-related and metabolic disorders more effectively, he said.
Prof. Prajapati also referred to scientific studies that have demonstrated yoga’s positive impact on health. He pointed out that research involving cardiac patients has shown encouraging results, reinforcing yoga’s role as a complementary wellness practice. Such findings, he said, have further strengthened confidence in yoga as a preventive healthcare tool.
The event forms part of a nationwide campaign leading up to International Yoga Day, with similar programmes being organised in cities, towns, educational institutions, and community centres across India. The objective is to encourage people from all age groups to incorporate yoga into their daily routines and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Meanwhile, public representatives and health experts across the country continue to advocate yoga as a simple yet effective way to improve physical fitness, reduce stress, and promote mental well-being. Large-scale yoga camps and awareness drives have been held in several states ahead of the global observance.
International Yoga Day has been celebrated every year on June 21 since the United Nations adopted the proposal in 2014. Over the years, the event has evolved into a worldwide movement promoting holistic wellness. The theme for this year, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” focuses on how yoga can help individuals remain active, independent, and healthy throughout different stages of life.
With growing participation both in India and abroad, yoga continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s most influential contributions to global health and well-being.
