Gandhinagar (Gujarat): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, while addressing the state-level celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga held in Mansa, Gandhinagar, called upon citizens to make yoga a part of daily life and a powerful instrument for nation building. He emphasized that yoga should not be limited to a one-day event but adopted as a lifelong practice.
The event saw massive participation across the state, with over 1.25 crore children, youth, and senior citizens performing yoga simultaneously at 330 locations.
Yoga as a Pillar of “Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat @2047”
CM Patel stated that yoga should play a key role in achieving the vision of “Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat @2047”, linking personal health with national development. He said yoga strengthens both physical and mental well-being and contributes to building a healthier and more productive society.
He also noted that this year’s International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” reflects the importance of preventive healthcare in modern lifestyles.
PM Modi’s Leadership Highlighted in Promoting Yoga Globally
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming yoga into a global movement. He said that due to the Prime Minister’s efforts, yoga has become a widely accepted form of preventive healthcare across the world.
He added that the 12th International Yoga Day coincides with 12 years of the Prime Minister’s governance, making the occasion even more significant.
Gujarat’s Leadership in Yoga Training and Awareness
CM Patel highlighted Gujarat’s leading role in promoting yoga across India. Key achievements include:
- Training of 1.5 lakh yoga instructors through the Gujarat State Yoga Board
- Connecting over 8 lakh people with yoga in one year
- Conducting 5,000 free yoga centres across the state
He said these initiatives have made Gujarat one of the strongest yoga-promoting states in the country.
Rajkot to Become India’s First “15-Minute Yoga City”
A major announcement was made regarding Rajkot, which will be developed as India’s unique “15-Minute Yoga City”. Under this initiative, a yoga centre will be accessible within 15 minutes from any location in the city, making yoga more convenient and accessible for all residents.
Massive Participation Across Gujarat
The state witnessed large-scale participation in yoga sessions, with citizens from all age groups joining in mass practice sessions. The government stated that such participation reflects growing awareness about health, fitness, and preventive healthcare.
Yoga for Healthy Living and Disease Prevention
CM Patel emphasized that yoga is especially important in today’s stressful lifestyle. He said regular practice of yoga helps prevent serious health issues such as:
- Blood pressure disorders
- Diabetes
- Heart-related diseases
He described yoga as one of the simplest and most effective paths to a healthy and balanced life.
Promotion of Environmental and Holistic Lifestyle Initiatives
The Chief Minister also highlighted several central government initiatives promoting sustainable living, including:
- “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”
- “Catch the Rain”
- Solar energy promotion
- Chemical-free natural farming
- “Mission LiFE”
He said these initiatives, along with yoga, promote a balanced relationship between humans and nature.
Live Telecast and Participation of State Leaders
Participants also watched the live telecast of the national Yoga Day event from West Bengal, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the celebrations.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including district and municipal leaders, MLAs, education trustees, administrative officials, yoga trainers, and thousands of practitioners.
Yoga as a Force for Nation Building
Concluding his address, CM Bhupendra Patel called upon citizens to transform yoga into a collective force for nation building. He urged everyone to contribute towards realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047 through regular yoga practice and a healthy lifestyle.
The International Yoga Day celebrations in Gujarat reflected massive public participation and strong government commitment to promoting yoga as a way of life. With initiatives like “15-Minute Yoga City” and large-scale training programs, the state continues to position itself as a leader in India’s wellness and preventive healthcare movement.
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