By — Dilip Guha  

Emphasising the growing importance of preventive healthcare and holistic living, the Kailash   Ayurveda and  Naturopathy, a specialised wellness wing of Kailash Healthcare, celebrated the 12th International Yoga Day with a series of free yoga sessions, expert consultations, and an awareness workshop centred on the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”

The Yoga Day programme, organised on June 21, witnessed enthusiastic participation from people across age groups, reflecting the increasing acceptance of yoga and natural therapies as effective tools for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Part of the renowned Kailash Healthcare network, it has been actively promoting naturopathy, Ayurveda, yoga, and lifestyle-based healthcare interventions. Kailash Healthcare operates a network of nine multi-speciality and super-speciality hospitals, including a dedicated Health Village, Ayurvedic Hospital, and Wellness Centre across Delhi-NCR and Uttarakhand. For more than four decades, the institution has remained committed to quality healthcare guided by its philosophy: “We heal lives, not just patients.”

The celebrations commenced with a free yoga practice session from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., drawing nearly 80 participants. Following the Common Yoga Protocol prescribed by the Ministry of AYUSH, the session introduced attendees to structured yoga practices designed to improve flexibility, balance, breathing, and overall health, with Free yoga consultations given throughout the day.

The focus of this year’s International Yoga Day theme, Yoga for Healthy Ageing, was to highlight how regular yoga practice, combined with natural healing systems and healthy lifestyle habits, can contribute to longevity and disease-free living.

Later in the afternoon, they organised an interactive workshop on “Ageing and Yoga”, where experts discussed the role of nutrition, daily routines, stress management, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and positive thinking in ensuring healthy ageing. Participants engaged actively with specialists and received practical guidance on incorporating wellness practices into their everyday lives.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Uma Shankar Sharma, Medical In-Charge, Kailash  Ayurveda and  Naturopathy,  emphasised that yoga is far more than a physical exercise routine.

“Yoga is a complete way of life that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. As we age, lifestyle choices become increasingly important. Through yoga, naturopathy, Ayurveda, and conscious living, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of chronic diseases,” he said.

Dr Sharma stressed that healthy ageing begins with disciplined daily habits and mindful eating. He advised people to consume food only when genuinely hungry, follow a balanced and natural diet, maintain adequate hydration according to age and physical needs, and incorporate periodic fasting into their routines.

“Fasting once a week allows the body to rest and recover. Along with proper nutrition, it can help prevent and manage several lifestyle-related disorders,” he explained.

Highlighting the growing burden of stress in modern life, Dr Sharma encouraged participants to adopt positive thinking, prayer, and effective time management as tools for maintaining mental well-being.

“Not every challenge needs to be met with anxiety. Sometimes the healthiest approach is to let go of unnecessary worries. A positive mindset, combined with spiritual practices and disciplined living, helps reduce stress and improve overall health,” he observed.

He also cautioned against excessive dependence on digital devices and urged people to limit unnecessary screen time, noting that excessive technology use often contributes to stress, sleep disturbances, and declining physical activity.

According to him, the integration of yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy, balanced nutrition, and mental discipline offers a sustainable pathway to healthy ageing and holistic wellness.

The programme concluded with an awareness session on disease prevention, natural therapies, and healthy lifestyle practices. Participants expressed appreciation for the practical guidance provided during the event and the opportunity to interact directly with healthcare experts.

Hospital officials noted that such community outreach initiatives are essential in creating awareness about preventive healthcare and empowering people to take greater responsibility for their own well-being.

As India continues to embrace wellness traditions rooted in its ancient knowledge systems, initiatives such as KINAY’s International Yoga Day celebrations demonstrate how yoga and holistic healthcare can play a vital role in helping individuals lead healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives.