Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat on Sunday, 21 June 2025 described yoga as 'an excellent art of living life' — far more than a physical regimen — and said the ancient Indian discipline continues to address modern challenges ranging from mental stress to lifestyle-related illnesses. He was speaking at a mass yoga session held at Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar to mark the 12th International Yoga Day, attended by officials, employees, and local residents.

Key Remarks by the Governor

Addressing participants at the event, Acharya Devvrat underscored yoga's dual role in physical and mental well-being. 'Yoga is not merely an exercise, but an excellent art of living life. In today's lifestyle, yoga is the best medium to protect ourselves from mental stress and various lifestyle-related diseases,' he said.

The Governor noted that yoga and pranayama, when practised regularly, help individuals remain focused, calm, and positive — benefits that extend well beyond physical fitness. He urged attendees to integrate yoga into their daily routines and work toward the goal of a 'healthy body and healthy mind'.

Yoga as a Thousands-Year-Old Indian Tradition

Devvrat described yoga as a thousands-year-old Indian science and tradition, long regarded as a foundation for both health and spiritual advancement. He said its relevance has only grown in an era defined by sedentary lifestyles and mounting psychological pressures. This comes amid a global surge in lifestyle diseases, with India among the countries facing a growing burden of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and anxiety disorders.

Modi's Role in Yoga's Global Reach

The Governor also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in promoting yoga on the world stage. He said the Prime Minister's commitment and initiatives had helped yoga gain international recognition and connected 'crores of people around the world' with India's cultural heritage. It was under Modi's push that the United Nations declared 21 June as International Yoga Day in 2015, a milestone now celebrated in its twelfth year.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Global Unity

Devvrat further observed that yoga is fostering the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the belief that the world is one family — by bringing people together across nations and cultures. He administered a pledge to participants at the close of the programme, encouraging them to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Officials Present

Among those who attended the Lok Bhavan event were Dr Jayanti Ravi, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department; Ashok Sharma, Principal Secretary of Lok Bhavan; and A.K. Joshi, Director of House Administration, along with other officials and citizens.

As International Yoga Day observances spread across Gujarat and the rest of the country, the Gandhinagar session reflected a broader national push to position yoga not as a cultural relic but as a living, practical tool for public health.