Srinagar, June 21: On the occasion of International Yoga Day (IYD), the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YS&S), J&K, Saturday organised a series of vibrant yoga programmes across the UT, engaging thousands of school children, youth, and the general public in the ancient practice of yoga.
As the premier Department responsible for organizing sports, recreational and wellness activities for students up to 12th grade and youth in general, the YS&S Department conducts year-round events, including school, zonal, district, divisional, and UT-level competitions in dozens of sports. Yoga remains an integral part of the Department’s annual calendar, with dedicated training for students of different age groups to participate in yoga competitions. Leading up to International Yoga Day, the Department of YS&S organized pre-yoga day events in all sports zones of J&K, fostering awareness about the importance, relevance, and benefits of yoga.
Hundreds of officials and students from the Department also participated in the important functions held at SKICC, Srinagar and Gulshan Ground Jammu, joining the global celebration of yoga. Meanwhile, at Khel Gaon Nagrota, Jammu, a mega yoga programme was organised by YS&S Department where Director General of YS&S, Anuradha Gupta graced the occasion as the chief guest. Addressing the young participants, she emphasized: “Parents often leave behind material possessions like cars, houses, and land for their children, who feel happy receiving them. However, the greatest legacy we, as Indians, have inherited from our ancestors is the gift of Yoga, a timeless solution to stress, mental fatigue, and modern lifestyle diseases. Yoga creates harmony between the mind, body, and soul, elevating us spiritually as well.” The event was attended by Joint Director YS&S Jammu, Dr. Vinakshi Koul, Deputy Director Central, Deputy Director Planning, District Youth Services and Sports Officer Jammu, Accounts Officer and other officials from the Directorate of YS&S. In addition to the UT-level events, the Department of YS&S organised colourful yoga programmes at various district and zonal headquarters, where field officers led sessions promoting yoga’s holistic benefits among students and the public.
