Governor Shukla Leads Yoga Day in Shimla, Champions Yoga's Role in Combating Drug Abuse

In a celebratory event at the Raj Bhavan in Shimla marking the 11th International Yoga Day, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla led a yoga session with active participation from the Raj Bhavan staff, students from the Department of Yoga Studies at Himachal Pradesh University, and local residents.

Governor Shukla, addressing the gathering and speaking to media, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's global advocacy for yoga, saying, "Thanks to the Prime Minister's relentless efforts, the United Nations declared June 21 as International Yoga Day, making yoga a global lifestyle choice." He stressed the transformative power of yoga for both physical and mental well-being.

He further underlined yoga's potential in uniting society and combatting societal ills. "In Himachal Pradesh, a revered 'Devbhoomi', I have initiated awareness campaigns against drug abuse. Efforts are being made to sensitize villagers, resulting in significant heroin seizures by law enforcement. I envision a future where people voluntarily cease drug use, thanks to yoga's influence," Shukla remarked, reinforcing the value of mental clarity and discipline that yoga fosters in young people.

(With inputs from agencies.)