The President, Ramnath Kovind, tweeted that Yoga is our ancestor’s vision of bringing mind-body together to achieve holistic health and happiness which has benefited millions over millennia.
On this occasion the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said that despite the pandemic, this year’s theme for International Yoga Day – “Yoga for wellness" has raised the morale of people and he wished for health of every country, society and individual and hoped that we will be united and will strengthen each other.
The Prime Minister talked of Yoga’s role during the pandemic. He said Yoga has proved a source strength and poise for people during this difficult time. He pointed out that it was easy for countries to forget Yoga Day during the pandemic as it is not intrinsic to their culture but, instead, enthusiasm for Yoga has increased globally. Yoga helped people to muster confidence and strength to fight with the pandemic world over. The PM also recalled how frontline Corona warriors made Yoga their shield and made themselves strong through yoga and how people, doctors nurses took to Yoga to deal with the effects of the virus.
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan joined citizens of his constituency to observe the 7th International Day for Yoga at the Maharaja Agrasen Park, Kashmere Gate in Delhi. With a deliberate, thin crowd maintaining social distancing while doing Yoga, the exercise was symbolic in nature to reinforce the message of "Yoga for Wellness". The Health Minister noted that although the celebrations are muted compared to previous years due to COVID protocols, the importance of Yoga has grown multifold in the conscience of the public for its role in promotion of Holistic Health.
Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (I/C), Prahlad Singh Patel performed yoga at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. The Union Minister was leading the drive“Yoga, An Indian Heritage” as a part of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” campaign. The program was organised at 75 cultural heritage locations with the active participation of all institutions/bodies of the Ministry to commemorate 75 years of Independence. Considering the current pandemic situation, the number of participants for Yoga was restricted to 20 at each site.
On this occasion, the Minister of State for Ayush, Kiren Rijiju congratulated everyone on the observance of the 7th International Day of Yoga, and highlighted the gains it has made globally since its recognition in 2014. He mentioned how Yoga is not just seen as a practice native to India, but India’s gift to the world, which has been accepted as their own by everyone.