Yoga can pave way for a drug-free Tripura: Power Minister

Power, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Saturday said that collective participation in yoga can play a crucial role in combating the drug menace in Tripura.

Speaking at the 11th International Yoga Day celebration held at Neermahal in Sepahijala district, Minister Nath stressed the importance of yoga in maintaining a healthy body and a stable mind.

"Across the globe, 195 countries exist, of which 193 are members of the United Nations. Today, all these countries are observing International Yoga Day. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who proposed in September 2014 that June 21 be observed as International Yoga Day. The proposal received overwhelming support from 177 countries within just three months, and since then, this day has been celebrated annually," Nath said.

Highlighting this year’s theme, "One Earth, One Health," the minister said the global vision of Prime Minister Modi has brought yoga into the mainstream of international well-being initiatives.

“No country thinks about the Earth like Prime Minister Modi does. He gave the world the idea of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’ From Gautama Buddha to Swami Vivekananda, yoga has remained a timeless practice. In today’s fast-paced world, people live like machines. We have lost control over our diets and lifestyles. Yoga is essential for restoring balance and stability in life,” he added.

Minister Nath further emphasized the need for the youth to adopt yoga as a way of life.

“Our state faces a serious challenge in the form of drug abuse. To tackle this, we must unite and incorporate yoga into our daily routines. Only then can we move towards a drug-free Tripura,” he said.