On the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav led the state-level ‘Yoga Sangam’ mass yoga session at Atal Path in Bhopal. The event was held in virtual conjunction with the national celebration in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. CM Yadav also participated in a collective yoga session alongside hundreds of citizens, students, and officials, promoting a message of holistic health and wellness.
The programme began with a live telecast of Prime Minister Modi’s address, followed by a Common Yoga Protocol session, which was practiced simultaneously across the venue. Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, Members of Parliament V.D. Sharma and Alok Sharma were also present on the occasion, along with other dignitaries and public representatives.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi stated that “Yoga means union,” and emphasized that yoga has united the world over the past decade. Recalling the historic moment when 175 countries supported India’s proposal at the United Nations to recognize International Yoga Day, he described the global acceptance of yoga as a testament to its universal relevance. He said, “Yoga belongs to everyone, and it crosses the boundaries of age, culture, and nationality. It offers not just physical health but also emotional and spiritual balance.”
PM Modi highlighted the theme of this year’s celebration — “Yoga for One Earth – One Health” — and said that it aligns with India’s ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the belief that the entire world is one family. He noted that even in times of global unrest, yoga can serve as a tool for peace and harmony, urging the international community to make yoga a medium for global partnership. He also pointed to the growing integration of yoga with modern medicine and the global popularity of India’s “Heal in India” initiative, stressing the important role yoga plays in wellness and preventive healthcare.
In his remarks, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Modi for introducing the world to India’s ancient knowledge and way of life through yoga. He said, “Practicing yoga brings peace of mind, contentment, and a spirit of non-violence. It enhances both physical strength and mental well-being.” Dr. Yadav also paid tribute to Maharishi Patanjali, the sage credited with codifying the Ashtanga Yoga philosophy, and highlighted the astronomical significance of June 21 as the beginning of the Sun’s southern journey (Dakshinayan).
Dr. Yadav added that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India not only safeguarded its people during the COVID-19 pandemic but also extended critical medical aid to over 100 countries, showcasing India’s spirit of global compassion and solidarity.
Union Minister of State Durgadas Uikey remarked that Yoga Day has become a bridge between different faiths and cultures, embodying the essence of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He emphasized the importance of introspection and maintaining mental health in today’s fast-paced world, citing Bhagavad Gita’s wisdom that “skill in action is yoga.”
MP V.D. Sharma noted that Prime Minister Modi has taken Indian health consciousness global through yoga. “As we mark the 11th International Yoga Day, it’s a moment of pride that yoga is now an integral part of global wellness culture,” he said.
The event in Bhopal also saw the presence of MLA Rameshwar Sharma, Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani, Bhopal Mayor Smt. Malti Rai, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, and Director General of Police Shri Kailash Makwana, among others. Similar yoga programmes were conducted across all districts of Madhya Pradesh, with enthusiastic participation from citizens, officials, and yoga enthusiasts statewide.