Bhubaneswar, 21 June (H.S.): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi participated in the International Yoga Day 2026 celebrations held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday and described yoga as a unique confluence of physical, intellectual and spiritual development.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Chief Minister said yoga is not confined to any particular religion but is a priceless gift from India to the world for the advancement of human consciousness. He noted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has gained global recognition and enhanced India's cultural prestige on the international stage.

Highlighting this year's International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” Majhi said that yoga and pranayama offer effective solutions to various physical and mental challenges associated with ageing, including hypertension, diabetes, anxiety and loneliness. He emphasized that the well-being of senior citizens is a valuable asset for society.

The Chief Minister also urged young people to make yoga a part of their daily routine. Referring to the growing influence of mobile phones and social media in the digital age, he said regular yoga practice for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

In a major announcement aimed at strengthening AYUSH healthcare services in the state, Majhi said that three new Ayurvedic Medical Colleges will be established in Gajapati, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts. He further informed that a state-of-the-art Yoga and Naturopathy Institute is being developed over 20 acres at Binjhagiri in Jatni, while the foundation stone for a Central Ayurvedic Medical College has already been laid at Rairangpur.

He also stated that the state government is taking steps to integrate yoga into school curricula and public health programmes to promote a healthier society.

During the event, the Chief Minister virtually joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s live International Yoga Day programme broadcast from Kolkata. Following the Prime Minister’s address, Majhi participated in a mass yoga session along with senior officials, students and yoga enthusiasts present at the stadium.

The programme was conducted by Alok Das and Satya Shobhan Mishra on behalf of the Yoga Mahotsav Committee.

Among those present were Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services and Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj; School & Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond; Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik; Kandhamal MP Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi; Chief Secretary Anu Garg; Development Commissioner D.K. Singh; and Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports & Youth Services Department Bhupinder Singh Poonia, along with several senior officials, sportspersons, yoga practitioners and media representatives.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda