Agartala, June 21 (UNI) Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday urged the younger generation to practise yoga daily, as it helps to increase comprehension, relieves stress, and promotes a healthy mind and body, which in turn leads to a healthy life.

While addressing the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations at International Fair Ground here, Dr Saha recalled that it was September 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed before the United Nations to celebrate June 21 as International Yoga Day.

This proposal received support from 177 countries, and since 2015, the day has been observed globally. The saints have practised yoga for centuries, and through yoga, one can truly understand oneself. Knowing oneself is a significant task, and yoga enables that, Dr Saha said.

"Every country is now supporting yoga. There are around 1.33 lakh yoga centres in USA and China where yoga is actively practiced. Yoga reminds us that a healthy mind and body lead to a healthy life. Since taking charge, Prime Minister Modi has initiated several welfare schemes for the people. Nowadays, the youth are increasingly engaged with the internet, but Yoga remains essential," he pointed out.

Dr Saha, who also serves as the health minister of the state, expressed concern over the increasing incidences of HIV/AIDS and drug addiction in Tripura and stressed the need for mass awareness along with motivating the society to get engaged in Yoga practice to curb the menace.

"Yoga sharpens memory and promotes overall well-being," CM added.

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