Chandigarh, June 16: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday participated in a Common Yoga Protocol practice session at the Haryana Vidhan Sabha complex ahead of the 12th International Yoga Day, which will be observed on June 21. Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana and several dignitaries also joined the session.
The Chief Minister and the Assembly Speaker inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp and took part in various yoga exercises prescribed under the Common Yoga Protocol. Haryana Yoga Commission Chairman Dr. Jaideep Arya, along with yoga instructors, guided participants through prayer, warm-up exercises, yoga postures, pranayama, meditation and concluding relaxation techniques.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said yoga takes individuals on a journey from “self” to “collective well-being” and helps connect people with themselves as well as society. He said that while the world celebrates International Yoga Day on June 21, yoga should not be limited to a single day but adopted as a lifelong commitment.
The Chief Minister informed that the state-level International Yoga Day celebration in Haryana will be held in Panchkula on June 21. He urged citizens to participate regularly in yoga programmes and maintain physical and mental well-being through the practice.
Highlighting the global recognition of yoga, Saini said Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the importance of yoga to the world through the United Nations in 2014, leading to widespread acceptance of the ancient Indian practice. He noted that references to yoga can also be found in the teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita and described yoga’s global adoption as a reflection of India’s cultural heritage and civilizational strength.
The Chief Minister said the theme of the 12th International Yoga Day this year is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” He added that the Haryana Government is also promoting yoga as part of its efforts to build a drug-free Haryana.
Saini stated that yoga has been incorporated into the academic curriculum as promised by the government and that yoga clubs have been established in schools, colleges and universities. He further said that the government aims to establish gymnasiums in every village of the state. So far, 883 gymnasiums have been set up and 859 yoga assistants have been appointed. Ayush dispensaries and sub-health centres have also been upgraded into Ayushman Arogya Kendras with dedicated yoga instructors.
The Chief Minister said the yoga session at the Assembly complex sends a message that Haryana’s leadership and public representatives embrace a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. He also highlighted the government’s initiative to introduce daily yoga breaks in industrial units across the state. Sharing a personal example, he said he takes a five-minute break during his busy schedule to perform yoga and rejuvenate himself.
Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan described yoga as India’s ancient and glorious cultural heritage that has guided the world towards healthy living. He said yoga is not merely a physical exercise but a holistic way of life that creates harmony between the body, mind and soul. In today’s stressful lifestyle and increasing health challenges, the relevance of yoga has become even greater, he added.
Kalyan also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts for securing United Nations recognition of June 21 as International Yoga Day, noting that millions of people across the world now practice yoga regularly. He said the vision of making India a developed nation by 2047 can only be achieved through a healthy population and praised the Haryana Government’s efforts to encourage yoga among youth and help them stay away from substance abuse.
Haryana Yoga Commission Chairman Dr. Jaideep Arya explained that the Common Yoga Protocol is a standardized and scientifically designed series of yoga practices developed by the Ministry of Ayush. It has been designed to enable people across the world to practice yoga in a synchronized manner on International Yoga Day while promoting awareness about its health and mental wellness benefits.
Among those present on the occasion were Haryana Assembly Chief Whip Ram Kumar Kashyap, MLAs Randhir Singh Panihar and Kanwar Singh Yadav, Yoga Commission Vice Chairman Roshan Lal, and officials and employees of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha.
