THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 12th International Day of Yoga was observed across Kerala on Sunday, emphasising the need to make yoga a part of everyday life.
Yoga should be practised for at least 30 minutes daily to improve physical, mental and emotional well-being, Health Minister K Muraleedharan said.
He was inaugurating the state-level observance of yoga day, jointly organised by the National AYUSH Mission and the state government, at 7am at Jimmy George Indoor Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The theme of this year’s observance was ‘Healthy Aging through Yoga.’
Addressing more than 100 participants, including several elderly people, the minister said yoga transcends religion, caste, colour and creed and should be embraced as a universal practice for better health. He also expressed concern over excessive social media use and sedentary lifestyle, highlighting how they were adversely affecting people’s health.
Stressing the importance of preventive healthcare, Muraleedharan said regular exercise strengthens the body’s ability to fight diseases and contributes to a longer, healtier life.
The minister urged people to find time for physical activity every day, whether through yoga, jogging or a morning walk.
Sharing a personal experience, he said his habit of exercising regularly enabled him to campaign during the hottest days of the election season without feeling exhausted.
Recalling leaders known for their disciplined lifestyles, Muraleedharan said former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan practised yoga regularly.
Highlighting how his own father and former CM K Karunakaran never missed his morning walks, the minister added that such healthy habits had contributed to their longevity.
Emphasising an integrated approach to healthcare, he said both allopathy and AYUSH systems have important roles in ensuring good health.
The ultimate objective, he added, was to nurture a healthy generation through awareness and healthy lifestyle practices.
Muraleedharan also joined participants in performing yoga during the programme.
District Collector Anu Kumari and other officials attended the function. The event witnessed participation from yoga practitioners, health workers and members of the public.