Hyderabad, June 20 (UNI) A grand 24-hour countdown to International Yoga Day was held at L B Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday morning.
The event, organised under the leadership of Union Minister for Coal and Mines and Telangana BJP President G. Kishan Reddy, witnessed enthusiastic participation from a cross-section of society, including political leaders, film celebrities, and the general public.
Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Union Minister Srinivasa Verma, MP Etala Rajender, BJP leader Khushboo, and film actors Sai Dharam Tej, Teja Sajja, and Meenakshi Chowdhury were among the prominent personalities who performed yoga asanas and addressed the gathering.
The stadium was filled with hundreds of yoga enthusiasts and members of prominent yoga organisations, educational institutions, and social bodies, marking the significance of the run-up to International Yoga Day on June 21.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Kishan Reddy said, "After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, India gifted the world the treasure of Yoga. Over 200 countries have adopted and embraced Yoga, and this is a matter of pride for every Indian. From the land of Telangana, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for introducing Yoga to the world. Celebrations should be held in every corner of the country on June 21."
Highlighting the nationwide fervour for Yoga Day, Reddy added, "Today, we have organised a 24-hour countdown here at LB Stadium. Tomorrow, I will be participating in the Yoga Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam alongside 5 lakh people — a proud moment for Telugu-speaking states."
He emphasised that Yoga should be an essential part of daily life, describing it as "our first doctor and a panacea for health and well-being."
Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu praised the initiative and congratulated Kishan Reddy for organising the countdown event.
"Yoga is not just a one-day event. It should be a lifelong practice. It enhances mental and physical fitness, reduces stress, and strengthens focus. With the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ Prime Minister Modi has inspired an unprecedented global response," he said.
Naidu also invoked the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Yoga, drawing references from the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
"Yoga is about self-discipline, concentration, and awakening inner strength. It transcends religion and caste — it is a science of health and harmony passed down from our ancestors."
He urged the youth to embrace Yoga with dedication: "This is not for commission or omission, but a mission, a passion for the nation."
Naidu also touched upon India's growing global stature, crediting the success of operations like ‘Sindoor’ to the strength and resilience of the Indian armed forces and scientific community.
“Uniting the world through Yoga is a noble path toward global peace. Let’s promote Yoga in every household — among men, women, and children — as a timeless health science for all.”
The countdown event at LB Stadium served as a vibrant prelude to the International Yoga Day celebrations scheduled across India on June 21, with Prime Minister Modi expected to participate in the main event at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
UNI VV ARN