Haryana CM practices common Yoga protocol with Assembly Speaker at Haryana Vidhan Sabha complex
Chandigarh, June 16
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday participated in a Common Yoga Protocol practice session at the Haryana Assembly complex.
Haryana Assembly Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, and several other dignitaries also joined the Chief Minister in the yoga practice session.
Chief Minister and Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan inaugurated the session by lighting the ceremonial lamp and performed all the yoga practices prescribed under the Common Yoga Protocol for the International Day of Yoga.
Chairman of the Haryana Yog Aayog, Dr Jaideep Arya, along with yoga instructors, guided the participants through the protocol, including prayer, loosening exercises, standing, sitting, prone and supine yoga postures, pranayama, meditation, and concluding peace prayers.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that yoga takes us on a journey from "I" to "We" and helps connect us with ourselves as well as society.
He emphasized that yoga should not be observed only for one day but adopted as a lifelong commitment. He informed that the state-level International Day of Yoga celebration in Haryana will be held in Panchkula.
He urged the people of the state to regularly participate in yoga programmes in their vicinity and contribute to the nation's progress by maintaining good physical and mental health through yoga, a release said.
The Chief Minister said that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced yoga to the world through the United Nations in 2014, countries across the globe recognized its significance and warmly embraced India's initiative.
He noted that this ancient practice was also mentioned by Lord Krishna in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Owing to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has become a global movement. He described it as a historic achievement for India and a testament to the country's cultural strength, reflecting worldwide recognition and respect for India's eternal traditions. Today, the entire world celebrates the International Day of Yoga.
He further informed that the theme of the 12th International Day of Yoga this year is "Yoga for Healthy Aging." The Haryana Government is also moving forward with its resolve to build a drug-free Haryana through yoga. In line with its commitment, yoga has been included in the curriculum, and yoga clubs have been established in schools, colleges, and universities. The government has set a target of establishing gymnasiums in every village of Haryana. So far, 883 gymnasiums have been opened, and 859 Yoga Assistants have been appointed. AYUSH dispensaries and sub-health centres have been upgraded as Ayushman Arogya Kendras, where yoga instructors have also been deployed.
He said that conducting yoga training sessions within the Haryana Vidhan Sabha complex itself sends a strong message that Haryana's leadership and public representatives follow a yogic lifestyle. Such a lifestyle, he added, forms the foundation of good governance and public service. The government has also made provisions for a daily yoga break in industrial units. Sharing his personal experience, the Chief Minister said that amid his busy schedule, he takes a five-minute break for yoga exercises, which helps him regain energy and remain productive.
The Speaker said that yoga is India's ancient and glorious cultural heritage that has shown the world the path to healthy living. He emphasized that yoga is not merely physical exercise but a holistic way of life that establishes harmony between the body, mind, and soul. In today's stressful lifestyle, irregular routines, and growing health challenges, the importance of yoga has become even greater.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Nice gesture but I hope this isn't just another photo op. The real test will be if they continue this daily practice. Also, 883 gyms in villages is good but what about maintenance and proper equipment? Need to follow through on promises.
As someone who lives abroad, I can tell you that yoga is huge here. It's wonderful to see India's cultural heritage being celebrated globally. The PM's initiative at the UN was truly visionary. Hope this inspires other states too.
Good to see yoga being promoted, but let's not forget that many schools still lack basic facilities. Instead of just yoga instructors, we need proper teachers and infrastructure. The drug-free Haryana initiative is admirable though - yoga can definitely help youth stay away from substance abuse.
"From I to We" - beautifully said by the CM! Yoga really does that. The five-minute break tip is practical for all of us. But I hope the government also focuses on mental health awareness alongside yoga. Both go hand in hand.
Impressive that they're doing this at the Vidhan Sabha. It sets a good example for other government offices across India. The inclusion of Bhagavad Gita reference is meaningful too - yoga is indeed part of our ancient wisdom. Hope it's not just political rhetoric.
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