Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of International Yoga Day, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi urged citizens to make yoga and pranayama a daily habit, describing it as essential for physical, mental, and intellectual well-being.
Addressing a grand mass yoga event at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister stressed that yoga should become a people’s movement reaching every household in Odisha. “Yoga is necessary for physical, intellectual and mental development. Yoga Day is being celebrated in all countries of the world and in every district of Odisha,” Majhi said.
He advised people to include yoga and pranayama in their daily routine and practice for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. “Yoga is essential for a stress-free life and good health. Do yoga before taking medicine,” he added.
The Chief Minister particularly highlighted the benefits for senior citizens, stating, “For the elderly, yoga is the medicine for aging.” He encouraged them to practice yoga regularly. Turning to the youth, he issued a strong appeal: “Give up your mobile, hold a mat… Don’t look at social media, practice yoga for 20 to 30 minutes. Leave your mobile and grab a mat.”
He warned young people about future health issues, saying, “There is a doctor, medical science, but before going to him, be fit yourself. As you grow older, BP, tension and health problems arise — so prepare yourself before you become old. Yoga and pranayama are mandatory.”
Majhi also announced key initiatives to promote yoga across the state. Yoga chapters will be introduced in schools and colleges, and the state government will establish a dedicated yoga institute on 20 acres of land in Binjhagiri near Jatani in Khordha district. The main goal, he said, is to create a mass movement and take yoga from “house to house.”
In a post on his X handle, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi expressed delight over the massive turnout at Kalinga Stadium:“Today, on the occasion of International Yoga Day, I am extremely delighted to have participated in the grand mass yoga practice program organized at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The unprecedented enthusiasm and spontaneous mass participation witnessed among students, sportspersons, mothers, and senior citizens prove that yoga has now transformed into a people’s movement across every corner of Odisha.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment: “Our government is fully committed to the extensive promotion of yoga and ayurvedic healthcare services in Odisha to build a healthy and prosperous state.”
Majhi thanked yoga gurus, volunteers, and all participants for making the event a success and called upon citizens to make regular yoga practice a part of their lives. The event saw enthusiastic participation from people across all age groups, reflecting growing acceptance of yoga as
