Yoga key to healthy ageing and drug-free living, says Vice President in Ladakh

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Sunday urged people to make yoga a part of their everyday lives, describing it as a powerful instrument for physical well-being, mental peace and social harmony, while asserting that regular practitioners are unlikely to fall prey to drugs or other harmful addictions.

‎Addressing the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Leh, the Vice-President said yoga transcends physical exercise and stands as one of India’s greatest contributions to humanity.

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‎Against the backdrop of Ladakh’s Himalayan landscape, Radhakrishnan said yoga emerged from centuries of spiritual exploration, meditation and disciplined living by India’s sages, creating a holistic practice that nurtures the body, mind and soul.

‎”Yoga is an ancient gift from Bharat to humanity,” he said, adding that the growing global embrace of yoga underscores the enduring relevance of India’s civilisational heritage.

‎The Vice-President credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with elevating yoga onto the world stage, noting that Modi’s proposal at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 paved the way for the declaration of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, backed by more than 175 countries.

‎”Yoga’s worldwide recognition reflects India’s enduring contribution to humanity,” he said.

‎Highlighting this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, Radhakrishnan pointed to demographic changes that will see a growing elderly population in India in the coming decades. Referring to the India Ageing Report 2023, he noted that nearly 20 per cent of India’s population is expected to be elderly by 2050.
‎He said the challenge before society is not merely extending lifespan but improving the quality of life in later years.

‎”We must ensure that added years to life also mean added life to years,” he said, describing yoga as an effective means of promoting active ageing, physical fitness and emotional well-being.

‎The Vice-President also drew a connection between yoga and the demanding lifestyle of people living in high-altitude regions. He said the endurance, adaptability and discipline required in places such as Ladakh are qualities that yoga naturally strengthens.
‎Praising the people of Ladakh, Radhakrishnan said they embody values closely associated with yogic philosophy.

‎”The people of Ladakh are calm, peaceful, kind and deeply connected to nature. They reflect the true spirit of yoga,” he said, expressing confidence that regular yoga practice would further enhance their vitality and well-being.

‎Emphasising yoga’s role in fostering a healthier society, he said the discipline encourages positive habits and helps individuals avoid destructive behaviour. ‎”No one practising yoga falls prey to drugs or vices,” the Vice-President remarked, calling on young people to adopt yoga as a way of life.