Yoga not associated with any religion, says President

Hyderabad, March 14 : President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday said that yoga is also a path to spiritual calmness and is not associated with any religion, region or people.
He, along with Kamlesh Patel (Daaji), Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, unveiled the ‘yoga for unity and well-being’ initiative, with an aim to unite people across the world by practicing yoga and meditation for 100 days for a healthier and happier life.
Baba Ramdev of Patanjali Yogpeeth, Ayush Secretary Rajesh Kotecha, and Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana Founder Chancellor Dr H.R. Nagendra were present to support this initiative.
“Yoga is an approach to holistic well-being which includes physical and mental fitness. Its benefits lead to freedom from psychological stress and bodily ailments. It results in a high level of positive energy. It is also a path to spiritual calmness. It is not associated with any religion, region, or people but belongs to the entire world and all of humanity,” said the President He noted that as the world moves to attain progress through science and technology, there is a need to restore the balance between human beings and nature through sustainable methods. The concept of health according to yoga goes beyond physical well-being, he added.
Daaji pointed out that India is home to a multitude of practices to explore one’s purpose in life. “I am proud that the Heartfulness Institute has facilitated the united effort of organisations from across the globe for people to easily learn yoga and meditation. I urge everyone to take the time to attend these sessions, which are free of charge, from the comfort of their homes to metamorphose their lives,” he said.