Daijiworld Media Network – Kolkata
Kolkata, Jun 19: Ahead of the International Day of Yoga celebrations on June 21, Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday jointly flagged off a ‘Run for Yoga’ event in Kolkata, attracting hundreds of participants.
The nearly 2-km run, organised from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation headquarters to the historic Writers’ Buildings, formed part of a series of 11 ‘Yoga Runs’ being held across the city to promote fitness, wellness and healthy living.
West Bengal is hosting the national-level International Day of Yoga celebrations this year, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to lead the main event at Red Road. The theme for this year’s observance is ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’.
Adhikari participated in the run alongside Jadhav, state ministers, senior government officials and representatives of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. State Sports Minister Indranil Khan, Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul, Industry Minister Tapas Roy and former tennis star Leander Paes were also present.
Following the run, Jadhav joined a yoga session along with Paes and other dignitaries. In a post on X, the Union Minister said the programme was organised under the ‘Swachhata Se Swagat Programme’ and highlighted the importance of combining health, cleanliness and civic responsibility.
Addressing participants, Adhikari said yoga has evolved into a global movement that promotes physical fitness, mental well-being and a healthier lifestyle. He urged citizens to incorporate yoga into their daily routine and lauded the enthusiastic response to the event.
In a social media post, the chief minister described the marathon as an initiative that brings together the values of health, cleanliness, civic responsibility and overall well-being, adding that the participation of citizens was inspiring.
As part of the build-up to International Yoga Day, similar ‘Yoga Runs’ were conducted at 10 other locations across Kolkata. The state government has also been organising yoga camps, awareness programmes and cleanliness drives to encourage public participation in the celebrations.