Chandigarh, May 28 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a grand state-level event will be organized in Kurukshetra on June 21 to mark the 11th International Yoga Day. Approximately one lakh participants will participate in the celebrations. Renowned Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev will also grace the occasion with his presence.
The Chief Minister was addressing a press conference shortly after presiding over a meeting held today to finalize preparations for the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations, along with officials from the AYUSH Department and other concerned departments.
He said that with the efforts of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, International Yoga Day has been celebrated globally on June 21 each year since 2015. The Prime Minister’s proposal at the United Nations was supported by 177 countries and today entire world has embraced yoga.
The Chief Minister informed that the final preparations for the 11th International Yoga Day function were reviewed and finalized during the meeting. He emphasized the importance of creating an atmosphere where the entire state is engaged in yoga. “Yoga is an ancient tradition of our country. It is not just a form of physical exercise, but a holistic way of life. It has given us a path to health awareness,” he said. He also encouraged everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily routine and contribute to building a ‘Healthy India.’
In addition to the state-level function, district-level events will be organized across all districts. Furthermore, block-level programs will be conducted in all 121 blocks of the state. The AYUSH department has prepared a detailed blueprint for these events.
The theme for this year’s International Yoga Day is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
Training programmes to be organized across the state
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that in the lead-up to International Yoga Day, various programmes including Yoga Marathons and the Yoga Jagran Yatra will be conducted alongside dedicated training sessions. These initiatives aim to engage all sections of society from schoolchildren to the general public. The programmes will run from today until June 21. He said that Swachhata programme will also be integrated into the yoga activities.
The Chief Minister said that three-day yoga training programmes will be organized in all schools, colleges, and universities across the state. Similar training sessions will also be held for ministers, MPs, MLAs, officers, government employees, and other public representatives.
”Yoga -Yukt Haryana – Nasha-Mukt Haryana” to be launched on International Yoga Day
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that on the occasion of International Yoga Day, the state will launch the initiative “Yoga Yukt Haryana – Nasha Mukt Haryana”, in alignment with the vision of Swasth Bharat – Swasth Haryana. The campaign aims to eliminate drug addiction from society through the positive influence of yoga. As part of the celebrations, 10 lakh saplings will be planted across the state, reinforcing a commitment to environmental protection through the concept of “Green Yoga.” He also informed that a dedicated portal has been launched for registration, with a target to engage 10 lakh people in the event.
The Chief Minister urged citizens to celebrate Yoga Day as a Yoga Mahotsav by practicing yoga in parks, stadiums, rooftops, or any open space, and to spread the message of health and well-being globally. He emphasized the state government’s resolve to take yoga to every household and make Haryana a yoga-empowered state.
In response to a query about the rising number of COVID-19 cases, the Chief Minister said that there is no need for panic. Health Department is fully prepared to handle the situation.
Additional Chief Secretary of AYUSH Department Sudhir Rajpal, Chairman of Haryana Yoga Aayog Dr. Jaideep Arya, Director General of Information, Public Relations, Languages Department K. Makarand Pandurang, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Praveen Atrey were also present.
