Ashwini Vaishnaw Celebrates International Yoga Day in Bikaner, Highlights India’s Cultural Heritage and Development
Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Bikaner, Rajasthan, on Saturday and described yoga as an inseparable part of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
The Union Minister joined the Yoga Day programme alongside Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and hundreds of yoga enthusiasts who gathered to mark the global event.
Addressing the media on the occasion, Vaishnaw urged people to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives, saying that the ancient Indian practice not only promotes physical fitness but also provides a holistic way of living.
“Yoga should become an inseparable part of our lives. Through yoga, many ailments can be prevented and it can become a way of life,” he said.
The minister noted that India’s spiritual traditions have long influenced the world and recalled the historic role played by Swami Vivekananda in taking India’s culture and philosophy to the global stage. He said that just as Swami Vivekananda introduced India’s spiritual wisdom to the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has succeeded in giving yoga a new and unprecedented global identity.
According to Vaishnaw, International Yoga Day has now emerged as a worldwide celebration of India’s timeless wisdom, wellness traditions and holistic approach to health. He said the growing popularity of yoga across continents reflects the global acceptance of India’s cultural heritage and its message of harmony and well-being.
During the event, the Union Minister also appreciated a unique and creative display of yoga postures prepared using Shri Anna, or millets. He said the presentation beautifully highlighted the connection between nutritious traditional foods and a healthy lifestyle.
Emphasising the importance of healthy eating habits, Vaishnaw said that India’s traditional food systems and yoga together offer a comprehensive path towards better health and sustainable living.
Apart from the Yoga Day celebrations, the Railway Minister also highlighted several key initiatives related to railway development in Rajasthan. He announced that a new train service between Bikaner and Ahmedabad would be flagged off later in the day, further strengthening rail connectivity between Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The minister said he would also review important railway infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity in western Rajasthan, particularly in the border regions. He reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding and modernising railway infrastructure to boost economic development and improve passenger convenience.
Responding to questions on the NEET examination, Vaishnaw said extensive preparations had been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the test. He stated that the entire government machinery had worked in coordination and every department had fulfilled its responsibilities to ensure proper arrangements.
The Union Minister also highlighted the progress achieved by the country over the past decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He pointed to major advancements in education, technical training, employment generation and industrial growth.
Referring to the rapid expansion of the electronics sector, Vaishnaw said India has emerged as a major manufacturing hub, creating employment opportunities for nearly 2.5 million people. He also highlighted the country’s progress in semiconductor manufacturing and defence production, sectors in which India has made significant strides in recent years.
He further noted that India has transformed from an importer into an exporter in several sectors, including railway equipment. Citing a recent example, the minister said locomotives manufactured in India are now being exported abroad, a development that would have been difficult to imagine a decade ago.
The visit to Bikaner underscored the government’s twin focus on promoting India’s cultural heritage through yoga and accelerating infrastructure development in western Rajasthan. It also reinforced the message of wellness, nutrition and inclusive development while highlighting ongoing efforts to improve rail connectivity and strengthen economic growth in the region.
