Leh, June 21 (IANS) Participating in the 12th International Yoga Day celebrations in Leh, Ladakh, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan called upon citizens to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives for a healthier, happier and more peaceful society, while terming it India's "gift to humanity". 

Addressing the gathering amidst the majestic Himalayan landscape of Ladakh, the Vice President said: "Yoga is much more than a form of physical exercise and represents an ancient gift from Bharat to humanity."

He noted that through years of meditation, austerity and spiritual inquiry, India’s sages developed a holistic system that nurtures the body, calms the mind, and elevates the soul.

Radhakrishnan highlighted that the global recognition of yoga received renewed momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose call at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 led to the adoption of 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations with the support of over 175 member nations.

Referring to this year’s theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', he said: "Advances in healthcare and rising life expectancy have brought new responsibilities for society."

Citing the India Ageing Report 2023, he observed that by 2050, nearly one-fifth of India’s population will be elderly, as he emphasised the need to ensure that “added years to life also mean added life to years” and described yoga as a powerful tool for promoting physical health, mental well-being and active ageing.

Moreover, he observed that life at high altitudes demands endurance, discipline and adaptability; qualities that yoga helps cultivate. He remarked that the people of Ladakh have long exemplified resilience, simplicity and harmony with nature, values that resonate deeply with the philosophy of yoga.

Expressing his admiration for the people of the Union Territory, the Vice President said that during his interactions in the region, he found them to be calm, peaceful, kind and deeply connected to nature. "While people here already embody many qualities associated with healthy living, the continued practice of yoga would help sustain their vitality and enable them to realise their fullest human potential," he stated.

Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Lok Sabha MP Mohmad Haneefa were among those present at the event, along with other leaders, senior civil and military officials, yoga practitioners, students and members of the local community.

Earlier in the day, Radhakrishnan visited the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Devachan Campus in Leh, and expressed deep appreciation for the institution’s outstanding contribution towards education, healthcare, social welfare, environmental sustainability and the promotion of yoga and meditation in Ladakh.

Also, he commended the leadership of Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena and observed that the MIMC has emerged as a shining example of how spiritual wisdom and humanitarian action can come together for the welfare of humanity.