Early Times Report
Jammu, June 21: The 12th International Yoga Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and active participation at Sector-6 Park, Channi Himmat, Jammu. The programme was jointly organized by the Indian Yoga Association (IYA), Jammu Chapter and Shape & Smile Fitness Club under the leadership of Dr. Shreyans Kumar Jain, Chairman, Indian Yoga Association (J&K Chapter) and State Yoga Commissioner.
Er. Surinder Gupta, Retired Chief Engineer and President, Resident Welfare Association, Sector-6, Channi Himmat, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The celebration commenced with the chanting of Om and a Vedic Prayer by Sudhachander Sharma, Senior Vice President, IYA, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Ashok Gupta, Secretary, Indian Yoga Association, conducted the proceedings of the programme in an impressive and effective manner. He highlighted the role and activities of the Indian Yoga Association at both national and state levels and explained the significance of celebrating International Yoga Day. He emphasized that yoga is not merely a form of exercise but a complete way of life that promotes physical health, mental peace, emotional stability, and spiritual growth. He also introduced the Chief Guest, who was later felicitated by members of IYA and Shape & Smile Fitness Club.
Smt Aarti Mahajan, Director, Shape & Smile Fitness Club, conducted a series of easy loosening and warm-up exercises suitable for participants of all age groups. The exercises were enthusiastically performed by senior citizens, youth, ladies, gentlemen, and children alike.
The main yoga session was conducted by Dr. Shreyans Kumar Jain, who guided participants through various yogasanas, pranayama techniques, and meditation practices as prescribed under the Common Yoga Protocol approved by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Dr. Jain explained the role of yoga in maintaining harmony among the physical body, mental faculties, and the spiritual or astral dimensions of human existence.
Speaking on this year’s International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” Dr. Jain shared several practical and scientifically relevant health guidelines for leading a healthy, active, and graceful life. He emphasized the importance of practicing yoga, pranayama, and meditation daily for at least 30 minutes, maintaining regular physical activity and walking 5,000–8,000 steps per day, consuming a balanced and nutritious diet rich in green vegetables, fruits, sprouts, pulses, and dry fruits, and drinking adequate water to maintain optimum health.
He further stressed the importance of timely and sufficient sleep, maintaining a healthy body weight, and undergoing regular health check-ups for monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and other vital health indicators. He advised people to avoid smoking, tobacco, and alcohol, which significantly increase the risk of chronic diseases and premature ageing.
Dr. Jain highlighted the need for effective stress management through meditation, devotional activities, music, positive thinking, and healthy social interactions. He encouraged participants to maintain a cheerful outlook, remain socially connected with family and community, and keep their minds active through reading, learning new skills, solving puzzles, and engaging in creative activities.
He also spoke about preventing constipation through a fiber-rich diet, protecting bone health through adequate calcium, Vitamin-D, and sunlight exposure, and preventing falls and injuries by maintaining safe surroundings. He emphasized the importance of regular eye and dental check-ups, strengthening immunity through healthy habits, spending time in nature, and maintaining a sense of purpose in life through spirituality, social service, family bonding, and community engagement. |
