Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai( Chief Guest) , State Health and Family Welfare Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal ( Chair of the event ) and other Public representatives commence the International Yoga Day by singing National Anthem on Sunday June 21 , 2026 at the PG College grounds in Ambikapur-Photo Credit -CG/PR
In Short
Yoga is India’s invaluable gift to the world; taking it to every individual is our responsibility: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participates in a mass yoga session in Ambikapur on the 12th International Yoga Day on Sunday June 21, 2026 .
Raipur: On the occasion of the 12th International Yoga Day, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in a state-level mass yoga session held at the PG College grounds in Ambikapur, alongside 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 a physical exercise but a way of life that fosters harmony between the body, mind, and soul, endowing individuals with inner strength, discipline, positive energy, and a balanced outlook on life.
Chief minister Vishnu De3o Sai cites the benefits of Yoga to the gathering while other dignitaries look on at the PG College grounds in Ambikapur on Sunday June 21 , 2026-Photo Credit -CG/PR
Chief Minister 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 and well-being for all age groups. Regular yoga practice keeps individuals physically active, mentally alert, and emotionally balanced. He emphasised 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 be integrated into one’s daily life, Sai stressed.
Chief Minister Sai stated that Yoga has gained global recognition through the visionary leadership and persistent efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The fact that the proposal moved by India at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 received widespread support in record time stands as proof that the world has acknowledged the utility of India’s knowledge tradition and Yoga.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai practicing Vajrasana while people follow him with the same at the PG College grounds in Ambikapur on Sunday June 21 , 2026-Photo Credit -CG/PR
The enthusiasm with which the entire world is celebrating International Yoga Day today, June 21, serves as a proud testament to India’s cultural heritage and global leadership. Chief Minister Sai stated that Yoga is a reliable practice for health and well-being that guides an individual through every stage of life.
Yoga keeps 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 also acknowledges the utility of Yoga today, viewing it as a crucial foundation for better health, CM added.
Referring to India’s spiritual tradition, the Chief Minister mentioned 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, he remarked.
Chief Minister 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 noted that Yoga is a vital component of the AYUSH system, and this decision would provide new direction and momentum to Yoga education, training, research, and public awareness activities. The state government aims to take Yoga to every village, school, college, and section of society, transforming the adoption of a healthy lifestyle into a mass movement, Sai described .
Addressing children and the youth in particular, the Chief Minister urged them to make Yoga a part of their daily routine. 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, emphasizing that it is never too late to bring about positive changes in life, he emphasised .
Paying respectful tribute to the late Rupnarayan Sinha, former Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission, Chief Minister Sai said that his contribution to the promotion of Yoga in the state would always serve as a source of inspiration. He added that taking Yoga to every household would be the true tribute to him. Appreciating 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, CM continued.
In his address, the Chief Minister also highlighted the state government’s commitment to the education and future of tribal youth. He noted that the seating capacity at the Tribal Youth Hostel in Delhi has been increased from 50 to 200, a move that is already yielding positive results. The recent success of 13 tribal youths in clearing the UPSC Preliminary Examination is a matter of pride for the entire state. He added that the state government is preparing the youth to lead the nation and society by providing them with opportunities, resources, and guidance, CM informed.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal stated that Brahma-muhurta holds special significance in Indian culture, and practicing yoga during this time is considered most beneficial. He remarked that yoga is an ancient Indian heritage that has gained global recognition through the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, health Minister added.
A large number of public representatives, officials, employees, and citizens were present on the occasion, including MLA Prabodh Minj, MLA Ramkumar Toppo, Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission Chairman Sanjay Agrawal, 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, IG Deepak Jha, and AYUSH Department Director Rajendra Kumar Katara.
