UP plans wider Yoga Day drive to push healthy lifestyle

Lucknow: In a review of preparations for International Yoga Day, UP Ayush minister Dayashankar Mishra Dayalu directed officials to intensify awareness campaigns across the state to encourage more people to adopt yoga and healthier lifestyles.

“Publicity and outreach activities for International Yoga Day on June 21 should be made more effective so that more people can connect with yoga,” the minister said during a virtual review meeting with Ayush department officials, doctors and principals of Ayush colleges.

Stressing the importance of preventive healthcare, Mishra said yoga and traditional systems of medicine should be promoted widely to help strengthen immunity and encourage healthier living practices.

The minister also emphasised the need to promote cultivation of medicinal plants, saying the Ayush sector offered significant opportunities in medicinal farming. He directed officials to create greater awareness among farmers and institutions about the economic potential of cultivating medicinal herbs.

Mishra asked officials to improve facilities and operational systems in Ayush hospitals, particularly operation theatres and patient care services. He also called for regular monitoring of pathology and X-ray facilities to ensure better healthcare delivery.

Highlighting the importance of research and academic engagement, the minister directed Ayush colleges to regularly organise seminars, workshops and educational programmes for students and doctors.