Kolkata's Run for Yoga begins push for International Yoga Day 2026
Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday jointly flagged off a 'Run for Yoga' in
Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday jointly flagged off a 'Run for Yoga' in Kolkata ahead of the International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21. The nearly 2-km run, from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation headquarters to the Writers' Buildings, drew hundreds of participants. The programme was part of 11 'Yoga Runs' organised across Kolkata to promote fitness and healthy living. West Bengal is hosting the national-level International Day of Yoga celebrations this year, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to lead the event at Red Road.
The theme for this year's observance is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. Read Full Story Adhikari took part in the run along with Jadhav, several state ministers, senior state government officials and Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials. State Sports Minister Indranil Khan, Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul, Industry Minister Tapas Roy and tennis player Leander Paes were present at the event. Jadhav also joined a yoga session after the run along with Paes and other dignitaries. In a post on X, Jadhav said, 'Ahead of the 12th #InternationalDayofYoga2026, jointly flagged off the "Daud Se Dhyan 2026" Marathon in Kolkata from Kolkata Municipal Corporation to Writers' Building, alongside the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Shri @SuvenduWBJi.' He said the programme, organised under the 'Swachhata Se Swagat Programme', 'beautifully blends health, cleanliness, and civic responsibility'.
Addressing the gathering, Adhikari thanked participants and said yoga has emerged as a global movement that promotes physical fitness, mental well-being and a healthy lifestyle. He urged people to make yoga part of their daily routine. In a post on X, he said, 'City of Joy runs for fitness and wellness. Ahead of the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026, this morning, I flagged off the "CITY OF JOY – Daud Se Dhyan 2026" Marathon in Kolkata. This wonderful initiative brings together the core values of health, cleanliness, civic responsibility, and overall well-being.' He added that it was inspiring to see the energy and participation of citizens.
Similar 'Yoga Runs' were held at 10 other locations across the city as part of a large mobilisation exercise ahead of the June 21 event. The state government has also organised yoga camps, awareness drives and cleanliness campaigns in the run-up to the celebrations. Ends
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