Bhubaneswar, July 21: On occasion of International Day of Yoga 2025, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Saturday said that yoga is a precious gift from India to the entire human society.
Speaking at a state-level yoga ceremony organized by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, CM Majhi stated that yoga should not be limited to just an exercise or confined to specific ‘Asanas’. Its significance is much higher than physical exercises. Yoga is a unique confluence of physical, intellectual, mental, and spiritual aspects.
Although it originated from Indian culture and yogic traditions, it is not associated with any specific religion, he added.
CM Majhi, who attended the event as chief guest and practiced yoga along with the gathering, stated that yoga, which awakens the body, soul, and mental energy, has today been embraced by people from all races, religions, and castes.
Yoga is an inseparable part of Indian culture and tradition, which was once confined within the country. However, in May 2014, within just six months of assuming office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took steps to introduce Yoga to the entire world. As a result, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations passed a proposal to observe June 21 as "International Day of Yoga" every year. Today, people from almost every country around the world celebrate it with enthusiasm and interest, CM Majhi added.
The theme of this year's International Yoga Day is "Yoga for One Planet, One Health," which highlights the deep connection between personal well-being and the health of the planet. It highlights how the ancient practice of yoga not only nourishes the body and mind but also promotes a harmonious lifestyle that respects nature and all living things, he said.
He further added that in Odisha, we are making yoga accessible to all. We are organizing workshops and creating awareness through our schools, colleges, hostels and sports centres. We are also taking steps to include yoga in school programmes and public health programmes. Our aim is to build a healthy, self-reliant, skilled, and strong Odisha. Today, yoga sessions are being held in all the districts of Odisha. Be it urban or rural areas, thousands of people are coming together to celebrate yoga. This mass participation shows the growing awareness among our people and their hope and faith in healthy living.
It is worth mentioning that nearly 15,000 people, including state ministers, MPs, MLAs, and senior officials, participated in the state-level yoga camp organized at Kalinga Stadium. They practiced yoga together on this occasion. Additionally, a traditional Gotipua dance performance was presented by the Culture Department.
