Agartala, June 21, 2025: Power, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Saturday morning called for collective yoga practice to combat drug abuse and promote a healthy lifestyle in Tripura.

Speaking at a state-level celebration of the 11th International Yoga Day at the historic Neermahal in Sepahijala district, the minister emphasized the transformative potential of yoga in building a drug-free society.

“To make Tripura a drug-free state, we must all practice yoga in unity. Yoga is not just a physical exercise—it’s a lifestyle solution that restores balance in our bodies and minds,” Nath told attendees during his address.

Highlighting the global significance of the day, Nath recalled that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who proposed the idea of International Yoga Day during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014. “Within three months, the UN adopted the resolution with support from 177 nations,” he noted, adding that out of 195 countries worldwide, 193 UN member states now observe International Yoga Day annually on June 21.

This year’s theme, “One Earth, One Health,” highlights the interconnectedness of physical, mental and planetary well-being. Nath praised the vision behind the theme, saying, “If anyone truly thinks about the world, it is Narendra Modi. His philosophy—‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’—has now become a global mantra.”

Reflecting on historical and contemporary relevance, Nath said, “Yoga has been a timeless practice, from Gautam Buddha in ancient times to Swami Vivekananda in the modern era. Today, it is more important than ever, as our lifestyle is chaotic, our minds restless, and our diet undisciplined.”

Emphasizing yoga’s role in tackling addiction among youth, he concluded, “The drug menace is one of the biggest challenges facing Tripura. Our young generation must embrace yoga to overcome this threat and shape a healthier future.”