New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asserted that yoga helps in harnessing the aggressive capabilities which is important for the soldiers doing duty for the security of the country.
“Every Indian soldier is, in a way, a yogi. The world has been witness to the physical and mental fitness of our soldiers many times. Not only on the borders, their service to the nation during national calamities, is a testament to their strong physical and mental health.
“The way they avoid unnecessary aggression in adverse circumstances and stand up aggressively to protect the integrity and sovereignty of the country, whenever needed, reinforces their identity of a yogi,” Singh said, as he led the Armed Forces in celebrating the 10th International Day of Yoga in Mathura.
He exhorted the soldiers to continue practising yoga daily as it unites the body and mind while acting as a stepping stone to achieve spiritual consciousness, an official statement said here.
The Defence Minister emphasised that India is known as a country which never attacks another nation and is against the expansionist imperial policies. But however, maintained that India is fully capable of giving a strong response if its sovereignty is threatened in any way.
On this year’s Yoga Day theme ‘Yoga for Self and Society’ Rajnath Singh said, “Yoga and ‘dhyan’ are ancient Indian practices which connect a person with oneself, family and society. Yoga and dhyan are part of our culture, which has always been ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramaya’ i.e., we pray for everyone’s happiness and good health. We pray for the welfare of the world. This is the specialty of our civilisation. We believe in collaboration rather than a clash of civilizations,” he said.
He also commended the soldiers of 1 Corps for displaying valour and dedication, whenever the country needed them. He recalled the crucial role played by the Corps in many operations, including ‘Operation Riddle’ of 1965, ‘Operation Cactus Lily’ of 1971, ‘Operation Pawan’ of 1987 and ‘Operation Cactus’ of 1988.
Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and General Officer Commanding, 1 Corps Lt Gen Sanjay Mitra, along with 600 people, including senior officers, Agniveers, families and children attended the event.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth participated in a special yoga session organised by the Indian Coast Guard at Dhanushkodi, the southern-most tip of Rameswaram island, Tamil Nadu. The event was attended by personnel from the Coast Guard station at Mandapam.
