AIIMS Jammu celebrated the 10th Edition of International Day of Yoga with the theme “Yoga for Self and Society”

Jammu, June 21, 2024: AIIMS Jammu celebrated International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm and fervor today at its campus, highlighting how yoga not only enhances personal health but also contributes to social well-being. “Yoga Day” celebration at AIIMS Jammu campus underscored the interconnectedness of individual and collective health, promoting yoga as a tool for personal growth and societal betterment.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Sh. Jugal Kishore Sharma, Hon’ble MP, Lok Sabha & Member of Institute body, AIIMS Jammu, who was the Chief Guest for the occasion. The celebration witnessed the participation of all dignitaries, including the Executive Director, Medical Superintendent, Deans, Faculty, Staff, Nursing Officers, and other members of the AIIMS community.

The event commenced with an address by the Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Jammu, Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, with his enlightening speech on the importance of yoga. He proudly stated that Yoga has its origins in ancient India, with evidence of its practice dating back over 5,000 years. “International Yoga Day” was first proposed by our Honourable Prime Minister, Sh Narendra Modi, during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014. He highlighted the benefits of yoga and suggested June 21, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, as the ideal day to celebrate it. Following his proposal, the United Nations declared June 21 as International Yoga Day, with the first celebration taking place in 2015.

The Director expressed his profound gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for promoting Yoga and raising global awareness about its benefits for a happier and healthier life. He stated, “In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, yoga serves as a crucial tool for maintaining balance and well-being. It helps alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and improve concentration and flexibility. By incorporating yoga into daily routines, individuals can achieve a harmonious balance between mind and body, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life”.

Expert instructors, headed by former Head of the Department of Transfusion Medicine & Blood Bank, Government Medical College (GMC) and Yoga expert, Prof (Dr) T R Raina, shared his experience, saying, “Over the centuries, yoga has evolved and expanded into various schools of thought, integrating physical postures, meditation, and breathing exercises to promote overall health and harmony.” He then led a comprehensive yoga session, guiding participants through various asanas and pranayama techniques. This was followed by a meditation session taken by Dr Ranjana (Central University Jammu) aimed at enhancing mental clarity and relaxation.

The Chief Guest, Sh. Jugal Kishore Sharma, highlighted the significance of International Yoga Day and its role in fostering a healthy lifestyle. He stated, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment, harmony between man and nature, and a holistic approach to health and well-being. Changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness can help in well-being. Let us work towards adopting yoga in our daily lives and spreading the message of health and harmony.” He also praised the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, for promoting Yoga and raising it to a global level for the betterment of humanity.”

All participants expressed their appreciation for the event. Many faculty members remarked, “This yoga session has rejuvenated us. It’s a perfect way to start the day and a great reminder of the benefits of incorporating yoga into our daily lives.”

The Director, Prof Gupta, concluded the occasion, saying, “International Yoga Day is a reminder of the profound impact that yoga has on our lives. It is not just a form of exercise but a way of life that leads to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. At AIIMS Jammu, we are committed to integrating yoga into our healthcare practices and encouraging our community to embrace this ancient practice for a healthier future.”

The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks by Lt. Col Prabhat Sharma, Deputy Director (Administration), AIIMS Jammu, to all participants and organizers who contributed to making the event a success. The initiative was lauded by everyone present, and it was agreed that such events should be held regularly to promote the benefits of yoga.