Yoga is a holistic practice that enriches not only the body but also the mind, District Collector S. Kandasamy said at the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations held near Perundurai on Friday (June 19). The event was organised jointly by the Department of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy and Nandha Nature Cure and Yoga Medical College and Hospital.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Kandasamy said changing lifestyles and unhealthy food habits had contributed to a rise in chronic diseases. Yoga offered an effective means of preventing such ailments while helping people maintain physical and mental well-being, he added.

Noting that yoga originated in India thousands of years ago and had since gained global recognition, the Collector said various awareness programmes and training sessions were being conducted to promote its benefits among the public and students.

In today’s fast-paced world, people of all age groups could improve their physical and mental health through regular yoga practice, he said. Incorporating yoga into daily life would help improve physical fitness, mental peace, concentration and productivity. He urged teachers, students, government employees, journalists and members of the public to make yoga a regular part of their lives.

As part of the programme, awareness was created on the role of yoga in promoting physical and mental health and the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Faculty members and students of the college conducted demonstrations of yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation techniques. Government officials, doctors, yoga trainers, college students, Collectorate staff, and students and trainers from the college participated in the event.

Among those present were Joint Director (Health Services) R. Jayanthi, District Health Officer P. Aruna, District Child Development Officer Poongothai, District Siddha Medical Officer P. Yasodhai, chairman of Nandha Educational Institutions V. Shanmugan, Assistant Medical Officer (Siddha), Government Hospital, Goundampalayam, T.S. Venkatachalam, and Principal of Nandha Nature Cure and Yoga Medical College and Hospital R. Reeves Justlinat Dhas.