Hoshiarpur, June 22: According to a press release issued by the District Yoga Association, the 12th International Yoga Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence at the local Shakti Mandir. The event was presided over by Shri Tikshan Sud, President of the District Yoga Association, former Cabinet Minister, senior BJP leader, and Senior Vice President of the Yoga Federation of India.
A large number of school students, youths, and other citizens participated in the event and practiced yoga. It is noteworthy that the District Yoga Association, established in 2013, has been successfully organizing national yoga competitions, as well as International Yoga Day and various other yoga-related activities, every year.
Office bearers and members of the District Yoga Association—including Shri Ramdev Yadav, Anil Sud, Smt. Neerja Sud, Sanjeev Sharma, and Sumit Kumar—made significant contributions to the success of the event. Yoga Guru Dr. Pramod Sharma and Smt. Anita Jaiswal guided the participants through various yoga exercises and *asanas* (postures).
In his address, Shri Tikshan Sud stated that yoga is an invaluable heritage of Indian culture and history. He remarked that while the tradition of yoga was significantly weakened during the Mughal and British eras, the efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi have restored its global recognition; today, it is gaining popularity not only in India but across the entire world.
He noted that yoga establishes a balance between the body, mind, and soul, playing a crucial role in preventing various ailments and promoting good health. Recognizing the importance of yoga in contemporary times, the police, army, hospitals, schools, and various government and private institutions have incorporated it into their daily routines.
Encouraging students to practice yoga regularly, Shri Sud stated that yoga serves as a strong stepping stone to success in every sphere of life, including education, sports, health, and competitive examinations.
On this occasion, the District Yoga Association also honored the players and students who had won medals in Punjab-level yoga competitions. Several dignitaries were present at the event, including former Mayor Shiv Sood, former BJP District President Anand Veer Singh, Vinod Parmar, Archana Jain, Ashok Singla, Sandeep Kumar, Avinash Sood, Navdeep Sood, Anil Sood, Dr. K.K. Parashar, Rakesh Sood, Mrs. Namita Malhotra, Arun Sood, Pramod Sood, Dr. Keshav Sood, Joginder Singh, and Ashish Sood.