Bhubaneswar: Odisha joined the world in celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga on Sunday with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urging youngsters to adopt yoga as a daily practice and reduce social media usage.
Addressing a gathering at an event held on the occasion at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister participated in yoga sessions and called upon people across age groups to incorporate yoga into their daily routines.
Thousands of people from different walks of life took part in the celebration, which is being marked with the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
Stressing that yoga has become a global movement, he said countries around the world are observing International Yoga Day.
Stating that celebrations were being held across all districts of Odisha, the CM said practising yoga for 20 to 30 minutes every day can help people lead a healthy and stress-free life.
Describing yoga as essential for physical fitness, mental peace and intellectual growth, the Chief Minister advised people to prioritise yoga before turning to medicines.
Preventive health practices can help people remain fit and reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases, he said, adding that yoga serves as a remedy against the challenges of ageing.
Referring to health issues such as blood pressure, stress and other ailments that often accompany old age, he urged citizens to prepare themselves early through regular yoga and pranayama.
Sending a strong message to the younger generation, Majhi said, “Leave the mobile phone and pick up the yoga mat.” He encouraged youths to spend at least 20 to 30 minutes practising yoga instead of scrolling through social media platforms.
Majhi also announced that yoga education would be introduced in schools and colleges as part of efforts to popularise the practice among students. He said the state government’s objective is to transform yoga into a mass movement and take it to every household.
In another major announcement, the Chief Minister said the Odisha government would establish a dedicated yoga and naturopathy institution on a 20-acre campus at Binjhagiri in Jatni to promote yoga training, research and awareness in the state.
Affirming the government’s resolve to ensure the growth of ancient methods of treatment, the Chief Minister announced that three new ayurvedic medical colleges will be established in Gajapati, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts.
