New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led thousands in practicing Yoga at majestic Rajpath with Rashtrapati Bhawan in the background on the Fifth International Day of Yoga in New Delhi on June 21.

Prime Minister, accompanied by Minister of State (Independent charge) Ministry of AYUSH & Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Shripad Yesso Naik led the nation from Ranchi in Jharkhand in celebrating the spirit of Yoga.

Addressing enthusiastic yoga practitioners including scores of children, the Defence Minister said Yoga Day has become historic date for human civilisation. It is playing pivotal role in getting the whole world together and people from Tokyo to San Francisco are welcoming the morning sun rays through Yoga.

Mr Singh while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his cultural diplomacy said, unprecedented 177 nations supported Yoga Day resolution in the United Nations. He allayed the fears of that Yoga belong to any religion. It transcends religion and is for whole humankind. He pointed out that even Islamic countries supported the resolution which itself proves that point.

Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Minister of State (Independent charge) Ministry of Culture and MoS I/C Ministry of Tourism Prahalad Singh Patel, Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal and host of other dignitaries participated in practice of Yoga on the occasion.