Yoga Holds Solutions to All Human Challenges: Dharmendra Pradhan
India’s Greatest Gift to Humanity is Yoga: Prof. Yogesh Singh
The University of Delhi organized the 12th International Day of Yoga at its South Campus,
Benito Juarez Marg, on Sunday. Union Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan
attended the event as the Chief Guest, while the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi,
Prof. Yogesh Singh, presided over the programme. Addressing the gathering, Dharmendra
Pradhan said that the world today is facing numerous health challenges, ranging from mental
health concerns to issues of physical fitness. He emphasized that the science of Yoga offers
solutions to many of these problems. Speaking on the occasion, DU Vice-Chancellor Prof.
Yogesh Singh said that India has given many great things to humanity, and among these
contributions, Yoga and Ayurveda are the most impactful and greatest.
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan noted that Yoga, one of the oldest
traditions of Indian civilization, has been taken to every corner of the world over the last
decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who has successfully
positioned Yoga on the global stage in the 21st century. The Education Minister said that
Yoga is gradually becoming an integral part of people's lives and urged everyone to dedicate
at least ten minutes every day to Yoga, whether in the morning or before going to bed. He
called upon citizens to adopt Yoga as a year-round practice, stating that a healthy individual
is better equipped to contribute to society and serve humanity.
Pradhan also congratulated the University of Delhi on its improved performance in the
QS World University Rankings 2027, where the university moved up six places. He remarked
that some years ago DU, ranked in the bracket of 600, has now reached the 322 rank and is
poised for further progress. He expressed confidence that as India advances towards
becoming a Viksit Bharat, University of Delhi will play a significant leadership role and
should aspire to be among the world's top 100 universities in the coming years.
Speaking to media after the programme, the Minister commented on the NEET examination,
stating, “Today, the NEET examination is being conducted once again. I have complete faith
in the National Testing Agency (NTA), all state governments, district administrations, the
education community, and especially the students of India. Around 2.2 million students are
appearing for the examination today. I extend my best wishes to them and encourage them to
appear fearlessly and without anxiety.”
Presiding over the event, DU VC Prof. Yogesh Singh highlighted that Yoga establishes
harmony among the body, mind, intellect, and soul. He explained that while the human mind
is restless and the body tends toward comfort, Yoga helps make the mind stable and the body
active. He emphasized that individuals who gain control over their minds and intellect are
better positioned to succeed in life. Prof. Singh further observed that the decline of
compassion among educated people is a matter of concern and noted that Yoga teaches
individuals to maintain a balance between competition, compassion, and cooperation. He
encouraged students to incorporate Yoga into their daily lives, particularly in today’s stressful
environment.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Registrar Dr. Vikas Gupta, who also
outlined the event schedule. Participants watched a live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s International Day of Yoga address from Calcutta, followed by a half-hour Yoga
session led by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Vice-Chancellor Prof.
Yogesh Singh, and other attendees.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Sanjeev Singh, Joint Director of the South Campus. Among those present were Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Higher Education; Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, School Education and Literacy; Prof. Balram Pani, Dean of Colleges; Prof. Rajni Abbi, Director, South Campus; Prof. Payal Mago, Director, Campus of Open Learning (COL); Registrar Dr. Vikas Gupta; along with numerous university officials, faculty members, non-teaching staff, and hundreds of students.
