DW BUREAU / chandigarh The art of practicing yoga helps in controlling an individual's mind, body and soul, besides bringing together physical and mental discipline to achieve a peaceful body and mind. This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while interacting with media after participating in Yoga on the occasion of International Yoga Day-2022 organized by the Aayush Department Himachal Pradesh at the Ridge, Shimla today. Chief Minister also watched the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address on 8th International Day of Yoga from Mysore palace, ground, Karnataka. Jai Ram Thakur said that Yoga helps manage stress and anxiety and keeps us relaxed. It also helps in increasing flexibility and muscle strength besides improving respiration and energy, he added. Giving credit of promoting Yoga in the country to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who proposed the idea for an International Yoga Day during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Yoga an "invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition" and called for the "harmony between man and nature". Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, Vice Chairman Handicraft and Handloom Corporation Sanjeev Katwal, Mayor Shimla Municipal Corporation Satya Kaundal, Chairman cum Managing Director SJVNL Nand Lal Sharma, Secretary Ayush Rajeev Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Aditya Negi, Director Information and Public Relations Harbans Singh Brascon, Superintendent of Police Monica and other senior officers were also present on the occasion. International Yoga Day celebrated at Raj Bhavan International Yoga Day Function was organized in collaboration with the Department of AYUSH and Yoga Department of Himachal Pradesh University at Raj Bhavan, Shimla today. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar presided over the function. Officials of Raj Bhavan practiced yoga under the supervision of Dr. Satya Prakash, Professor, Yoga Department of HP University. The Governor also performed yoga. On the occasion, the Governor said that yoga was our rich tradition coming before the world today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through his effective efforts, put this method of practice before the world and they understood that it was not associated with any religion or system of worship. He said that yoga gives physical and mental peace and strength. It needs to be made a part of your daily routine, he said. "If we forget our specialties, then how can we become Vishwaguru. We should not give up our traditions", said the Governor.Earlier, Dr. Satya Prakash presented a book written by him 'Hat Yog ke Aadhar evm Prayog' to the Governor. He also presented 'Yoga Protocol' and a CD of the Department of AYUSH. The Governor released the first Newsletter of the Yoga Department of HP University. He also released the booklet on Yogic Management for Non-Communicable Diseases. Rajesh Sharma, Secretary to the Governor also spoke on the occasion. (editor@dailyworld.in)