Former Union Minister of State Pratima Bhoumik on Sunday said India has gifted yoga—not war—to the world while addressing the concluding ceremony of Slim & Fit Institute’s 15th anniversary in Agartala. She urged people to embrace yoga for better health, productivity and national progress.
Quick Glance:
- Slim & Fit Institute concluded its 15th anniversary celebrations in Agartala.
- Former Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik highlighted India’s global contribution through yoga.
- She credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking yoga to the international stage.
- Jharna Debbarma stressed making yoga a daily habit for physical and mental well-being.
- Several personalities were felicitated for contributions to society.
Agartala: Former Union Minister of State Pratima Bhoumik on Sunday said India has never exported war but has instead gifted the world the timeless practice of yoga, describing it as the country’s greatest contribution towards building a healthier and more peaceful global society.
Speaking as the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of the 15th anniversary celebrations of Slim & Fit Institute at Agartala Town Hall, Bhoumik said yoga has become a symbol of India’s soft power and an effective tool for promoting physical and mental well-being across the world.
The two-day celebration concluded with a felicitation ceremony honouring distinguished personalities from journalism, social service, wellness and other fields for their contributions to society.
India Gave the World Yoga, Not Conflict: Pratima Bhoumik
Addressing a packed auditorium, Bhoumik said India’s civilisational values have always promoted peace, harmony and healthy living.
“Our country has never exported war. Instead, India has introduced and popularised yoga across the world to build a healthy society,” she said.
She said yoga represents India’s enduring message of peace and holistic wellness, which has now gained global acceptance.
Highlighting the growing international recognition of yoga, Bhoumik credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with transforming it into a worldwide movement.
She said Modi’s initiatives have elevated yoga from an ancient Indian tradition to a globally celebrated practice that benefits millions regardless of nationality, religion or culture.
According to Bhoumik, yoga is not merely a physical exercise but a complete lifestyle that strengthens both the body and the mind.
“A healthy body allows people to work efficiently and contribute to society. Yoga helps people achieve physical fitness, mental strength and emotional balance, which ultimately leads to prosperity,” she said.
She hailed the Slim & Fit Institute’s role in popularizing Yoga to ensure a healthy and better society. Bhoumik added, the Institute is working for holistic wellness and also generating job opportunities for trained yoga trainers.
She urged people of all age groups to make yoga an integral part of their daily routine instead of treating it as an occasional activity.
Yoga Essential in Today’s Fast-Paced Lifestyle
Bhoumik said modern lifestyles have increased stress, anxiety and health-related problems, making yoga more relevant than ever before.
She observed that regular yoga practice enhances concentration, improves productivity and helps individuals maintain a balanced life.
She also appreciated organisations like Slim & Fit Institute for creating awareness about preventive healthcare through yoga and wellness programmes.
According to her, such institutions play an important role in encouraging people to adopt healthier habits and reduce lifestyle-related diseases.
Slim & Fit Institute Completes 15 Years
The programme marked the successful completion of fifteen years of Slim & Fit Institute’s journey in promoting yoga, wellness and healthy living in Tripura.
Founder Dr. Yogacharya Lipika Saha welcomed the guests and reflected on the institute’s efforts to spread awareness about health, harmony and empowerment through yoga over the past decade and a half.
She said the institute has consistently worked to inspire people to embrace healthier lifestyles through regular yoga practice, wellness education and community programmes.
The anniversary celebration also recognised individuals from different sectors whose work has contributed to society.
Jharna Debbarma Calls for Daily Yoga Practice
Tripura Women’s Commission Chairperson Jharna Debbarma also addressed the gathering and stressed the need to make yoga a daily habit.
She said a healthy body forms the foundation of a healthy mind and that yoga has become increasingly important in today’s demanding lifestyle.
Debbarma urged people, particularly young citizens, to practise yoga sincerely for their physical fitness, mental well-being and overall personality development.
During her speech, she also informed the audience that National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar is scheduled to arrive in Agartala on July 28 for a two-day visit to participate in several official programmes.
Cultural Performances and Felicitation Ceremony Mark Grand Finale
The concluding ceremony featured colourful cultural performances alongside the felicitation of personalities from journalism, social service, wellness and other fields.
Among the dignitaries present were Agartala Press Club President Pranab Sarkar and News Today proprietor Sourajit Pal, besides former Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik and Women’s Commission Chairperson Jharna Debbarma.
Pranab Sarkar stressed the importance of Yoga and exuded confidence that the Institute will continue to provide high-quality Yoga training. Sourajit Pal shed light on the struggles and hard work of Dr Saha behind the Institute for over one and a half decades.
Organisers said the anniversary celebrations reflected the institute’s sustained commitment to promoting preventive healthcare and creating awareness about the long-term benefits of yoga.
The two-day event concluded with a vote of thanks and a collective pledge by participants to continue spreading the message of yoga, fitness and healthy living across Tripura.
