Ahead of International Yoga Day 2026, IGNCA Launches ‘Powering Health’; Experts Advocate Holistic Lifestyle Integrating Diet, Yoga, and Natural Body Rhythms

New publication highlights the role of nutrition, detoxification, and circadian rhythm in achieving long-term physical and mental well-being

New Delhi, June 15: As India prepares to celebrate International Yoga Day 2026, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) organized the launch and discussion of the book “Powering Health”, presenting a comprehensive perspective on preventive healthcare that combines balanced nutrition, yoga, detoxification and alignment with the body’s natural biological clock.

The programme, organized by the Kala Nidhi Division of IGNCA, brought together policymakers, health experts, yoga practitioners, legal professionals, scholars, and researchers for an extensive discussion on the growing importance of holistic wellness in an era increasingly dominated by lifestyle diseases, stress, and digital dependence.

A Holistic Approach Beyond Conventional Healthcare

Authored by Dr. Sunil Kumar Sinha, the book argues that good health cannot be sustained merely through medical treatment after illness develops. Instead, it advocates preventive healthcare by integrating healthy dietary habits, yogic practices, detoxification of both body and mind, and respect for the body’s circadian rhythm—the natural 24-hour biological cycle that regulates sleep, metabolism and hormonal functions.

The publication attempts to bridge traditional Indian wellness principles with modern scientific understanding, emphasizing that sustainable health depends on lifestyle choices rather than isolated interventions.

Distinguished Gathering at IGNCA

The event was chaired by Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, President of the IGNCA Trust, while Ms. Shazia Ilmi, National Spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), attended as the Guest of Honour.

The discussion panel included:

• Capt. Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President, India Foundation;
• Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean, IGNCA;
• Dr. Sunil Kumar Sinha, author;
• Shri Kaushal Kishore, columnist, author and yoga expert;
• Shri Tejasvi Kumar Sharma, Advocate, Supreme Court of India and World Yogasana Champion; and
• Dr. Shivaditya Purohit, international yoga exponent and mindfulness coach.

The event witnessed participation from scholars, yoga practitioners, healthcare professionals and members of the public interested in preventive health and wellness.

Yoga Is More Than Physical Exercise

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Shazia Ilmi observed that many struggles in life originate from the human mind itself and that yoga offers a pathway towards self-awareness and inner balance.

She noted that India has inherited an ancient tradition of health sciences and yogic philosophy that remains relevant even today. According to her, yoga should be understood not merely as a form of physical exercise but as a process of reconnecting with oneself amid the pressures of modern life.

She also highlighted the growing influence of excessive screen exposure and digital lifestyles, suggesting that maintaining mental peace and emotional stability has become an increasingly important challenge for contemporary society.

“A Practical Guide to Balanced Health”

Chairing the programme, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai described the publication as more than a book on yoga. He said it serves as a practical guide for achieving balanced health through proper dietary habits and yogic practices.

Recalling the book’s journey, he mentioned that it first came to his attention during a visit to Patna for another publication event and was later released at Raj Bhavan, Bihar. Recognizing its wider relevance, efforts were subsequently made to translate the work into Hindi so that its ideas could reach a broader readership.

He emphasized that maintaining good health requires attention not only to exercise but also to nutrition and the body’s detoxification processes, making the book particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced lifestyle.

Author Advocates Integrated Wellness

Speaking during the launch, Dr. Sunil Kumar Sinha thanked readers and supporters for their encouragement and explained that the central message of the book is the interconnected nature of health.

According to him, diet, yoga, mental and physical detoxification, and synchronization with natural circadian rhythms work together to promote physical fitness, emotional resilience and psychological well-being.

He argued that when these elements are harmonized, individuals are better equipped to maintain long-term health rather than merely treating disease after its onset.

Documentation of Traditional Knowledge Essential

During the discussion, Capt. Alok Bansal emphasized that many alternative systems of medicine and wellness have demonstrated practical value over generations, but inadequate documentation has limited their broader acceptance and understanding.

He stressed the importance of scientifically documenting traditional practices for future generations, concluding that “health is non-negotiable.”

Dispelling Misconceptions About Yoga

Shri Tejasvi Kumar Sharma, World Yogasana Champion and Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, observed that the book challenges the widespread misconception that yoga is limited to physical postures or asanas. Instead, it presents yoga as a comprehensive philosophy encompassing lifestyle, discipline and holistic health.

International yoga exponent Dr. Shivaditya Purohit remarked that several sections of the book were emotionally moving and encouraged deeper reflection on personal well-being.

Yoga expert Shri Kaushal Kishore described the publication as detailed yet accessible, appreciating IGNCA’s continuing efforts to preserve and promote India’s cultural heritage and knowledge traditions.

IGNCA Reiterates Commitment to India’s Knowledge Systems

Welcoming the participants, Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean of IGNCA, said that the institution remains committed to preserving, promoting and disseminating India’s traditional knowledge systems, cultural heritage and scientific wisdom.

He described the publication as one that deserves wide readership, particularly at a time when preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles are receiving increasing global attention.

Relevance Ahead of International Yoga Day

The discussion assumed added significance ahead of International Yoga Day 2026, reinforcing the growing recognition that holistic approaches integrating nutrition, physical activity, mental wellness and healthy daily routines can play an important role in improving quality of life.

The event concluded with a shared message that sustainable health is best achieved through balanced living, informed dietary choices, regular yogic practice and harmony with the body’s natural rhythms, rather than through isolated medical interventions alone.