Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that yoga is not merely a physical practice but a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage, which has guided humanity towards a balanced, healthy and spiritually enriched life for thousands of years. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, India has successfully established yoga on the global stage, and today it is being embraced by people across the world.
Yoga, he added, is an invaluable gift from India’s sages and spiritual practitioners, earning respect and recognition worldwide. The Chief Minister was addressing yoga enthusiasts after launching the State-wide Yoga Practice Campaign organised in connection with the International Day of Yoga 2026 at Maharana Pratap Swarn Jayanti Park (Leisure Valley), Sector-29, Gurugram on Monday.
Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Pataudi MLA, Smt. Bimla Chaudhary, Gurugram MLA, Sh. Mukesh Sharma and Nalwa MLA, Sh. Ranbir Panihar were also present on the occasion. After formally inaugurating the campaign, the Chief Minister said that yoga is not associated with any particular religion or sect, rather, it is a scientific and spiritual legacy for all humanity.
He recalled that in 2014, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi proposed the observance of the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations General Assembly, a proposal that received the support of a record 177 countries. Consequently, the first International Day of Yoga was celebrated on June 21, 2015.
Since then, yoga has witnessed unprecedented global expansion, with crores of people incorporating it into their daily lives. The Chief Minister emphasized that messages such as “Khelega Bharat To Khilega Bharat” and “Yoga Ki Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz” are highly relevant in today’s world.
By making yoga an integral part of daily life, people can lead healthier, more energetic and positive lives, he added. Sh. Nayab Singh Saini further said that the Haryana Government has decided to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga on a grand and extensive scale.
From June 1 to June 21, yoga camps will be organised across the state at the district, sub-division, block, ward and gram panchayat levels. The state-level main event will be held in Panchkula on June 21.
Referring to this year’s International Day of Yoga theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the Chief Minister said that it addresses one of the most pressing needs of contemporary society. While modern lifestyles have brought numerous conveniences, they have also contributed to rising stress, insomnia, unhealthy eating habits and mental unrest.
In such circumstances, yoga serves as one of the most effective means of ensuring physical well-being, mental stability and a balanced life. The Chief Minister further said that the Haryana Government has adopted the theme “Yoga-Yukt, Nasha-Mukt Haryana” and is committed to motivating young people to embrace a healthy lifestyle through yoga.
He urged the youth to adopt yoga wholeheartedly and stay away from substance abuse, emphasizing that a healthy and disciplined generation is essential for building a stronger Haryana. Calling upon all citizens to actively participate in the yoga programmes being organised across the state until June 21, the Chief Minister urged people to contribute towards the collective goal of making Haryana the healthiest, most aware and happiest state in the country.
On the occasion, Haryana Yoga Commission Chairman, Dr. Jaideep Arya highlighted the benefits of various yogic practices and led Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini along with thousands of yoga practitioners in a collective yoga session. Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Divisional Commissioner, Sh. Ravi Prakash Gupta, CP, Sh. Shibas Kaviraj, Media Advisor to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajeev Jaitly, public representatives, administrative officers, yoga instructors and a large number of yoga practitioners also remained present on this occasion.