Nadabet : In a historic first, the state-level International Yoga Day was celebrated at Zero Point Nadabet, Banaskantha, on the India-Pakistan border, on Friday. The event saw the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Assembly Speaker Shankarbhai Chaudhary. A live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address from Srinagar was also screened.

Organized by the State Yoga Board, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life. "More than 1.25 crore people in the state have participated in the World Yoga Day celebrations today, which is a matter of joy," said Patel. He highlighted the state government’s commitment to spreading yoga to remote areas, noting the establishment of 51 yoga studios.

Patel praised yoga as a means to achieve a stress-free and healthy lifestyle, stating, "Yoga is not self-confidence, but self-restraint." He credited PM Modi’s efforts in having the United Nations declare June 21 as International Yoga Day, underscoring yoga's global significance.

Assembly Speaker Shankarbhai Chaudhary expressed gratitude to the State Yoga Board and Chief Minister for hosting the event in the border area. State Yoga Board Chairman Sheeshpal Rajput welcomed participants and demonstrated various asanas and pranayama, adhering to the international yoga protocol.

The event saw the participation of prominent figures, including Principal Secretary of Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department Ashwini Kumar, Inspector General of Border Security Force Abhishek Pathak, former MP Parbatbhai Patel, and several MLAs. Banaskantha District Collector Varun Kumar Barnwal and District Superintendent of Police Akshayraj Makwana also attended, alongside officers, employees, yoga instructors, practitioners, and about 3000 people.

The celebration marked a significant moment for the state, promoting yoga's benefits and uniting people across regions in the pursuit of health and happiness.