Raipur
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in International Yoga Day celebrations at Ranjita Stadium in Jashpur today, performing yoga alongside thousands of enthusiastic participants. He emphasised that yoga, an integral part of India’s ancient Sanatan tradition, has gained global recognition due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts. The Chief Minister urged everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily routine for a healthy life.
Chief Minister Sai highlighted that Prime Minister Modi presented yoga on a global platform at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, leading to the worldwide observance of International Yoga Day every year on 21 June since 2015. He expressed pride that yoga resonates in over 175 countries today. Public representatives, schoolchildren, officials, and citizens joined the Chief Minister in performing various asanas, including Chakrasana, Ardha Chakrasana, Kapalbhati, Anulom Vilom, Pranayama, and Vajrasana, guided by yoga instructors.
Chief Minister Sai advised dedicating a few hours daily to yoga, stating it not only cures serious illnesses but also reduces the likelihood of future ailments. He advocated for the use of generic medicines, citing their effectiveness, accessibility, and affordability. The Chief Minister lauded the significant participation of schoolchildren, noting that yoga helps calm their minds and improves concentration in studies.
Nalanda Campus and Other Projects Inaugurated
On the occasion, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for Nalanda Campus, a project worth ₹11.29 crore spread over 2 acres. This campus will accommodate 500 students for simultaneous study and will feature an attractive garden. Chief Minister Sai stated that the initiative will particularly benefit rural and economically disadvantaged students, as more students from rural areas are now succeeding in competitive examinations. The state government plans to establish Nalanda campuses in all district headquarters and major cities.
Chief Minister Sai also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 64 projects collectively worth ₹107.81 crore. This includes the foundation stone for 85 projects valued at ₹61.20 crore and the inauguration of 6 projects worth ₹15.80 crore in the Jashpur Assembly constituency. Similarly, in the Farsabahar development block of the Kunkuri Assembly constituency, foundation stones were laid for 15 projects totalling ₹24.90 crore, and 4 projects worth ₹5.91 crore were inaugurated.
The Chief Minister appealed to citizens to participate in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (A Tree in Mother’s Name) plantation drive, noting that the onset of the monsoon season makes it an ideal time for tree planting. Yoga instructors were felicitated with commendation letters and mementos during the event.
Social Welfare Minister Lakshmi Rajwade stated that yoga is universally beneficial. She highlighted this year’s Yoga Day theme, “One Earth, One Health,” which signifies the interconnectedness of humanity and the planet. This year’s focus is on green yoga, promoting extensive tree plantation.
Yoga Commission Chairman Roop Narayan Sinha praised Jashpur’s scenic beauty and conducive environment for yoga. He mentioned local produce like tea, cashews, and pears, which add to the region’s uniqueness. Sinha described yoga not merely as a course but as a lifestyle, to be adopted through continuous practice.
Collector Rohit Vyas extended gratitude to all guests and participants. Roktima Yadav, Director of the Social Welfare Department, delivered the welcome address.
Dignitaries present at the event included former MP Ranvijay Singh Judev, Padma Shri Jageshwar Ram Yadav, Jashpur MLA Raimuni Bhagat, Divisional Commissioner Narendra Dugga, IG Deepak Jha, SSP Shashi Mohan Singh, District Panchayat CEO Abhishek Kumar, along with numerous public representatives, citizens, schoolchildren, and representatives of yoga organisations.
