Agartala, June 21, 2025 — Emphasizing the role of yoga in fostering a healthier and addiction-free society, Tripura’s Power and Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Saturday called for a unified fight against drug abuse through the regular practice of yoga. He was speaking at the district-level celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga, held at the iconic Neermahal palace in Melaghar.
The event was jointly inaugurated by Minister Nath and Member of Parliament from West Tripura and former Chief Minister, Biplab Kumar Deb. The historic setting of Neermahal added a cultural charm to the celebration, attracting a large number of yoga enthusiasts, students, and citizens from the surrounding regions.
Minister Nath actively participated in the yoga session, underscoring the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga. “Yoga is not just a physical exercise—it’s a lifestyle solution that restores balance in our bodies and minds,” he stated. He highlighted yoga’s transformative potential, especially in helping the youth overcome modern challenges such as stress, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Calling for a collective effort to combat the growing menace of drug addiction, Nath said, “Yoga can be a powerful tool to channel energy in the right direction. A disciplined, yoga-based lifestyle can play a significant role in shaping a drug-free society.”
He also reflected on the global impact of International Yoga Day, recalling that the concept was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014. Since then, June 21 has become a symbol of India’s soft power and holistic wellness.
The event concluded with a mass yoga demonstration and a message encouraging continued commitment to healthy living and social responsibility through yoga.
