Jhansi, June 21 On the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that yoga should not remain confined to June 21 alone but must become an integral part of everyday life.
“A healthy body is the foundation of a healthy nation. The festivals and traditions established by India’s ancient sages were rooted in the spirit of harmony with nature. The objective of Indian culture has always been to create a balanced life through coexistence with nature,” he said.
The Chief Minister participated in a mass yoga session in Jhansi to mark the International Day of Yoga. Under this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing,’ CM Yogi also released the Ayush Department’s Ayush e-magazine.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role in securing global recognition for India’s traditions and heritage.
“Owing to his efforts, 1.4 billion Indians are moving forward with pride on the global stage, and the vision of Viksit Bharat has gained new momentum. Every year, the Prime Minister personally participates in International Day of Yoga celebrations in different states, taking the movement to greater heights,” he said.
Quoting the ancient Sanskrit verse, ‘Shariramadyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam’ (the body is the primary instrument for fulfilling one’s duties and aspirations), the Chief Minister said a healthy and disease-free body is essential to achieving success in every sphere of life.
“A healthy student with a healthy mind can achieve academic excellence, a healthy farmer can attain new milestones in agriculture, a healthy worker can contribute to development and nation-building, and a healthy scientist can drive innovation and research. Healthy citizens are the foundation of a healthy nation,” he said.
CM Yogi noted that Prime Minister Modi has become India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister and has worked tirelessly to restore respect for India’s heritage on the global stage.
“Today, nearly 200 countries are connected with yoga. Across the world, yoga has generated immense interest and participation. The Prime Minister has also created new employment opportunities for Indian youth through the promotion of Ayush and traditional medicine,” he added.
The Chief Minister said the Ayush Department in Uttar Pradesh continues to promote wellness across the state.
“If the body is healthy, the mind remains healthy; a healthy mind leads to sound intellect, and a sound intellect nurtures the soul. Since the soul is the abode of the Divine, a healthy body forms the basis of a meaningful life, and yoga is one of the most effective means to achieve it,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of June 21, CM Yogi said Indian culture celebrates Navratri twice a year, reflecting the scientific relationship between energy and nature.
“Navratri coincides with seasonal transitions, when nature offers renewed energy. June 21 holds special significance because it is the longest day of the year and receives the maximum duration of sunlight. The Sun is regarded as the father of the universe. The closer human beings and plant life remain to the Sun, the greater their energy, vitality, and potential. Yoga Day provides an opportunity to connect our inner energy with the energy of nature,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the tradition of yoga originated with Adiyogi Lord Shiva and was spread across the world by India’s sages and seers.
“There was a time when India began to forget this great heritage, but due to the efforts of Prime Minister Modi, the nation has once again begun taking pride in its rich cultural legacy,” he said.
Referring to this year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing,’ CM Yogi cited another Sanskrit verse: ‘Na Tasya Rogo Na Jara Na Mrityuh Praptasya Yogagnimayam Shariram,’ explaining that a person whose body has been strengthened through the discipline of yoga remains free from disease, premature ageing, and weakness.
“If people wish to protect themselves from illness and early ageing, they must make yoga a regular part of their lives,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed happiness that Governor Anandiben Patel was leading Yoga Day celebrations across the state. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya participated in Prayagraj, while Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak joined the celebrations in Lucknow. Other ministers, senior administrative officers, and police officials also took part in Yoga Day events across various districts.
He noted that the International Day of Yoga was being celebrated with great enthusiasm in all Gram Panchayats, 825 development block headquarters, 350 tehsils, and 762 urban local bodies across Uttar Pradesh.
Concluding his address from the historic city of Jhansi, associated with the legendary freedom fighter Rani Lakshmibai and the First War of Independence of 1857, the Chief Minister extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga.
“Officials of the Ayush Department, distinguished citizens of Jhansi, officers of the administration and police, security personnel, youth, women, and all residents of the state deserve appreciation. By making yoga a part of daily life, people can lead healthy, energetic, and positive lives,” he said.
The Chief Minister wished everyone happiness, good health, and prosperity and urged citizens to take yoga to every section of society.
Among those present on the occasion were Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council Chairman Kunwar Manvendra Singh, Ayush Minister Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, MP Anurag Sharma, MLAs Ravi Sharma, Jawahar Lal Rajput, Rajeev Singh Parichha, Rashmi Arya, Legislative Council Members Rama Niranjan and Ram Teerth Singhal, Mayor Bihari Lal Arya, and several other public representatives and senior officials.
