Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling has urged people across the state to actively participate in a nationwide mass yoga campaign being organised by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, ahead of International Yoga Day 2026, with the aim of creating a Guinness World Record.
In a message issued on the occasion of International Yoga Day, the Minister said yoga has evolved into a global health movement under the leadership and initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that the United Nations declared June 21 as International Yoga Day following India’s proposal, helping spread yoga’s universal message across the world and making it an integral part of the lives of millions.
Describing yoga as a scientifically proven method for physical, mental and spiritual well-being, Dr. Mahaling said regular practice can help prevent several lifestyle-related diseases and promote a healthy and active life.
Highlighting this year’s International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, the Minister said yoga plays a vital role in maintaining good health, mental balance and quality of life as people grow older.
As part of the celebrations, the Ministry of AYUSH will organise an online yoga session on June 14, 2026, from 6:15 AM to 7:35 AM. The event aims to set a Guinness World Record by achieving the highest number of participants practising yoga simultaneously online.
Dr. Mahaling said the initiative is not merely an attempt to create a world record but a national movement to strengthen the vision of a “Healthy India” and transform yoga into a mass public movement. He added that large-scale participation from Odisha would reflect the state’s commitment to health awareness and community engagement.
The Minister appealed to doctors, health workers, students, youth, women, government employees, self-help groups, yoga institutions and citizens from all walks of life to join the event through their mobile phones or other personal devices.
To facilitate participation, he urged the public to register for the programme by giving a missed call to the toll-free number 1800-315-7008.
“Let us all come together to make yoga a mass movement, pledge ourselves to a healthy lifestyle and contribute to making India and Odisha part of this historic Guinness World Record achievement,” the Minister said.
