Raipur, June 21, 2026: On the occasion of the 12th International Yoga Day, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai participated in a state-level mass yoga session held at the PG College grounds in Ambikapur, joining thousands of citizens, students, women, youth, public representatives, and officials.
Extending his greetings to the people of the state on International Yoga Day, he remarked that Yoga is an invaluable gift from India’s ancient Rishi (sage) tradition, which has shown the entire world the path to a healthy, balanced, and peaceful life.
He stated that Yoga is not merely physical exercise but a way of life that establishes harmony between the body, mind, and soul, endowing individuals with inner strength, discipline, positive energy, and a balanced outlook on life.
Sai noted that this year’s International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” reflects the need of the hour. Amidst rapidly changing lifestyles, rising stress, and health challenges, Yoga has emerged as the simplest and most effective means of ensuring health for all age groups. Regular practice keeps an individual physically active, mentally alert, and emotionally balanced.
He emphasized that a healthy individual forms the cornerstone of a healthy family, a healthy society, and a developed nation; therefore, Yoga must not be limited to a single event but should become an integral part of daily life.
The Chief Minister stated that Yoga has gained global recognition through the visionary leadership and persistent efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The fact that India’s proposal at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 received widespread support in record time stands as proof that the world has acknowledged the value of India’s knowledge tradition and the utility of Yoga.
The enthusiasm with which the entire world is celebrating International Yoga Day today, June 21, serves as a proud example of India’s cultural heritage and global leadership.
Sai added that Yoga is a reliable practice for health and well-being that guides individuals through every stage of life. Yoga renders the body disease-free, calms the mind, and fosters positive thoughts. It is proving to be highly effective in preventing lifestyle-related issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stress, insomnia, and obesity.
He noted that modern medical science, too, now acknowledges the utility of yoga and views it as a crucial foundation for good health.
Referring to India’s spiritual tradition, the Chief Minister stated that Maharshi Patanjali gave yoga a systematic and scientific structure. Recalling Lord Shiva as ‘Adiyogi’ (the first yogi), he remarked that yoga has been an integral part of life in India’s cultural consciousness for centuries. Lord Krishna, too, paved the way for a balanced and purposeful life by imparting the messages of Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga through the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.
Sai stated that the state government is committed to the widespread expansion and institutional development of yoga. To this end, a proposal has been approved to transfer the subject of yoga from the Social Welfare Department to the Medical Education Department.
He added that yoga is a vital component of the AYUSH system, and this decision will provide new direction and momentum to yoga education, training, research, and public awareness initiatives. The state government aims to take yoga to every village, school, college, and section of society, thereby transforming the adoption of a healthy lifestyle into a mass movement.
Addressing children and the youth in particular, the Chief Minister urged them to make yoga a part of their daily routine.
He stated that the objective of promoting yoga in schools is not merely physical health, but also the development of concentration, self-confidence, discipline, and positive thinking.
He encouraged those who have not yet taken up yoga to start today, noting that it is never too late to bring about positive changes in life.
Paying respectful tribute to the late Rupnarayan Sinha, former Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission, Chief Minister Sai remarked that his contribution to the propagation of yoga in the state would always serve as a source of inspiration. He added that taking yoga to every household would be a true tribute to him.
Commending the efforts of the Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission, the Chief Minister stated that the Commission is playing a pivotal role in promoting a healthy lifestyle across the state.
In his address, the Chief Minister also highlighted the state government’s commitment to the education and future of tribal youth. He mentioned that the seating capacity at the Tribal Youth Hostel in Delhi has been increased from 50 to 200, yielding positive results. He noted that the recent success of 13 tribal youths in clearing the UPSC Preliminary Examination is a matter of pride for the entire state.
He stated that the state government is preparing the youth to lead the nation and society by providing them with opportunities, resources, and guidance.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal remarked that the Brahma-Muhurta (the auspicious pre-dawn period) holds special significance in Indian culture, and practicing yoga during this time is considered most beneficial.
He added that yoga is an ancient Indian heritage that has gained global recognition through the efforts of Prime Minister Modi.
Also present on the occasion were MLAs Prabodh Minj, Ramkumar Toppo, Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission Chairman Sanjay Agarwal, Housing Board Chairman Anurag Singhdeo, State Youth Commission Chairman Vishwa Vijay Singh Tomar, District Cooperative Central Bank Chairman Ram Kishun Singh, Sarguja Divisional Commissioner Narendra Dugga, Sarguja IG Deepak Jha, and AYUSH Department Director Rajendra Kumar Katara, along with a large number of public representatives, officials, employees, and citizens.
