New Delhi, June 21 (AHN) On the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga, political leaders and the general public in Jammu and Kashmir and Bihar emphasised the benefits of yoga, saying that it ensures positivity of mind and body while helping one to remain free of stress, addiction and other health issues.

In Jammu and Kashmir, BJP leader Ravinder Raina said, "Yoga is an important part of life. While on one hand it keeps a person healthy and on the other it ensures positivity of mind and soul. This day conveys a message to regularly practise yoga for both mental and physical wellbeing."

"International Yoga Day is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across the world today. Our esteemed Prime Minister Modi has called upon the entire world to adopt yoga, urging every individual to incorporate it into their daily lives. It is a proud moment that the entire world is embracing India's ancient tradition," he told AHN.

Hailing PM Modi's efforts towards popularising yoga, BJP MP Jugal Kishore Sharma added: "If the citizens stay healthy, the country too will remain so."

"Yoga helps us to keep our body and mind fit amidst so much stress and vices. We should also encourage our kids to regularly practice yoga, which will not only help in their development but also build concentration," he mentioned.

Highlighting the benefits of yoga, a participant said: "I have been practising it for the last two years. We also promote and practice yoga through Youth Services and Sports. It is very beneficial -- our lungs become healthier, and it helps us stay away from addiction."

A swimming instructor who has been conducting 'water yoga' in Jammu said: "I take swimming classes, so I am also conducting 'yoga in water' since it is a very important activity for young and old alike."

"Swimming is a life skill; similarly, yoga helps a person to bring improvement in various aspects of life. People may not get time to go to the gym or work out, but yoga can be practised anywhere. You can do it at home, at any time, as it is not bound by strict timings," he told AHN.

Meanwhile, political leaders in Bihar also stressed the importance of yoga in daily lives.

Speaking to reporters after a Yoga Day event in Patna, Health Minister Nishant Kumar said: "I have requested the Chief Minister to include yoga in the curriculum of all schools and colleges in Bihar. There should be half-an-hour classes where various kinds of yoga and meditation will be taught to students."

However, he mentioned that attendance won't be mandatory for those classes.

Addressing an event, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh said: "There is no other way to stay healthy. Yoga also purifies the mind. When the mind is pure, positive thoughts will come to your mind, leading to progress and upliftment of an individual."

In Muzaffarpur, Union Minister Giriraj Singh told reporters that the International Yoga Day is a "gift to the world from India, appealing to people to make the practice a part of daily life.