Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday participated in a Common Yoga Protocol practice session at the Haryana Vidhan Sabha complex. Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, and several other dignitaries also joined the Chief Minister in the yoga practice session.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Vidhan Sabha 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, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that yoga takes us on a journey from “I” to “We” and helps connect us with ourselves as well as society. While the entire world celebrates the International Day of Yoga on June 21, 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.
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 Ageing.” 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.
Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan 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.
He said it is a matter of pride that, due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the United Nations recognized June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, and today millions of people across numerous countries have made yoga a part of their daily lives. He added that the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047 can only be realized if every citizen remains healthy. He also appreciated Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for promoting yoga in Haryana and making meaningful efforts to steer the youth away from substance abuse.
Chairman of the Haryana Yog Aayog, Dr. Jaideep Arya, said that the Common Yoga Protocol is a standardized and scientifically designed series of yoga practices developed by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. It has been designed so that people across the world can perform yoga together in harmony on the International Day of Yoga. Its objective is to familiarize people of all age groups and abilities with the fundamentals of yoga, its health benefits, and its role in promoting mental well-being. The protocol places various stages in a systematic sequence to gradually prepare both the body and mind.
Among those present on the occasion were Chief Whip of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Ramkumar Kashyap, MLAs Randhir Singh Panihar and Kanwar Singh Yadav, Vice Chairman of the Haryana Yog Aayog Roshan Lal, along with officers and employees of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha.
