By Ahead of International Yoga Day, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said yoga has emerged as one of India’s most powerful contributions to the world, transforming from an ancient spiritual discipline into a global movement for health, well-being and inner balance.
Addressing a yoga practice session at the Baba Bhuman Shah Dham in Sirsa on Friday, the Chief Minister said yoga represents much more than physical exercise. According to him, it is a holistic way of life that creates harmony between the body, mind, soul and society. He described yoga as a timeless gift from India’s sages, developed for the welfare of humanity and now embraced across continents.
Saini noted that preparations for International Yoga Day, observed annually on June 21, are underway across Haryana, with yoga camps and awareness programmes being organised in multiple districts. He said the growing global popularity of yoga reflects the increasing recognition of India’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
Highlighting yoga’s international journey, the Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing the ancient practice to the global stage. He recalled that in 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day with support from 177 countries — one of the most widely supported resolutions in the UN’s history.
Today, yoga is practiced in cities and communities around the world, from major public spaces in North America and Europe to cultural centres across Asia and beyond. Saini said this widespread acceptance demonstrates how India’s influence is being felt through its values, traditions and spiritual wisdom rather than through political or military power.
He further pointed out that yoga has also gained recognition within the sports ecosystem. Under the current government, Yogasana has been accorded the status of a competitive sport and included in national sporting initiatives such as the Khelo India Youth Games. He said public campaigns encouraging daily yoga practice have helped inspire people to adopt healthier lifestyles.
The Chief Minister also linked yoga’s global growth with India’s broader development story. He said that while the country has made significant progress in infrastructure, technology and economic growth over the past decade, it has simultaneously shared a message of mental wellness, peace and preventive healthcare through yoga.
According to Saini, the worldwide acceptance of yoga reflects the growing stature of India on the global stage. He said the combination of rapid development and the spread of Indian cultural values represents the emergence of a confident and influential New India.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister encouraged citizens, particularly young people, to make yoga a part of their daily lives and contribute to building a healthier and more balanced society.
