Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched a statewide yoga practice campaign at Maharana Pratap Swarna Jayanti Park in Gurugram, marking the run-up to the International Day of Yoga 2026. Addressing a large gathering of yoga practitioners, the Chief Minister described yoga as a celebration of India’s cultural heritage and a scientific, spiritual foundation for a balanced life. He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has achieved global recognition, transcending religious or sectarian boundaries to unite international communities since its official United Nations declaration in 2014.
The Haryana government has planned an extensive deployment of resources to host public yoga camps at district, sub-division, block, and gram panchayat levels from June 1 to June 21, culminating in a mega state-level event in Panchkula. Highlighting the global theme of “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” Saini remarked that regular practice serves as an effective remedy for the stress, insomnia, and lifestyle-related ailments common in modern society. To address regional socio-cultural challenges, the state has integrated its own specific theme into the drive: “Yoga Yukt, Nasha Mukt Haryana” (Yoga-Aligned, Drug-Free Haryana).
The administration is heavily positioning this campaign as a public movement designed to redirect youth energy toward physical fitness and away from substance abuse. State officials urged the younger generation to embrace a healthier lifestyle and become active participants in community welfare. The initiative seeks to build widespread awareness about holistic well-being, framing daily physical activity as a prerequisite for productivity and regional development.
During the introductory event, Dr. Jaideep Arya, Chairman of the Haryana Yoga Commission, detailed the therapeutic benefits of various traditional postures and breathing exercises before leading the Chief Minister, senior cabinet ministers, and thousands of attendees in a mass demonstration. Top administrative officers, police personnel, and community representatives attended the inaugural session, cementing the state’s structural support for the month-long wellness framework.
